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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Virginia Beach is 48% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,649/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 32%
$90,685/yr ↑ 77%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 43%
$366,300 ↑ 64%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 39%
$1,704/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↓ 25%
457,066
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

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $535/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $6,420/year.

Median household income is $39,346/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Springfield — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Springfield?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $535/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Springfield?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $39,346/year higher in Virginia Beach.
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 Virginia Beach or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/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 Virginia Beach details → View Springfield details →

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