Cost of Living: Norfolk, VA vs Springfield, MA (2026)

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Norfolk is 13% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,246/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 11%
$64,017/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 20%
$271,900 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 18%
$1,366/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↓ 7%
235,037
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $132/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $1,584/year.

Median household income is $12,678/year higher in Norfolk. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Norfolk slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Springfield — common questions

Is Norfolk or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Springfield?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $132/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Springfield?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $12,678/year higher in Norfolk.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Massachusetts?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norfolk details → View Springfield details →

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