Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Richmond is 4% more affordable than Springfield. A $75,000 salary in Springfield is equivalent to $72,196 in Richmond.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Virginia salaries · Massachusetts salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Richmond has a housing index of 108 while Springfield sits at 106 (national average = 100). The median home in Richmond costs $300,000 compared to $230,000 in Springfield, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Richmond versus $1,200 in Springfield.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Richmond scores 100 while Springfield scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Richmond (100) are lower than Springfield (114).
Median household income in Richmond is $50,120 compared to $41,612 in Springfield. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Richmond.
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