Home › Compare › Colorado Springs, CO vs Virginia Beach, VA

Cost of Living: Colorado Springs, CO vs Virginia Beach, VA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

1.0% Virginia Beach, VA is more expensive overall
1.8% 1.8% cheaper housing
1.0% 1.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing ~Same
Colorado Springs
110
Virginia Beach
108
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Colorado Springs
98
Virginia Beach
99
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Colorado Springs
98
Virginia Beach
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Colorado Springs
100
Virginia Beach
98
⚡ Utilities 8.7% more
Colorado Springs
92
Virginia Beach
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Colorado Springs, CO Virginia Beach, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index101102~Same
Housing110108~Same
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,350~Same
Median Home Price$400,000$340,00015.0% less
Groceries9899~Same
Transportation98100~Same
Healthcare10098~Same
Utilities921008.7% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Colorado Springs, CO Virginia Beach, VA
State Income Tax4.40%5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax2.90%5.30%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.49%0.74%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Colorado Springs, CO
$72,000
Median household income
Virginia Beach, VA
$76,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Virginia Beach outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Virginia Beach to maintain your Colorado Springs lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Colorado Springs (101) vs Virginia Beach (102). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Colorado Springs3.4%
Virginia Beach3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Colorado Springs3.1%
Virginia Beach2.3%
Top Industries
Colorado SpringsMilitary, Tech, Tourism
Virginia BeachMilitary, Tourism, Logistics

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Colorado Springs24 min
Virginia Beach25 min
Walk Score
Colorado Springs34
Virginia Beach22
Air Quality (AQI)
Colorado Springs40
Virginia Beach34
Avg Temperature
Colorado Springs49°F
Virginia Beach60°F
Population
Colorado Springs478,961
Virginia Beach459,470

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Colorado Springs and Virginia Beach → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Virginia Beach →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Colorado Springs or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?+
Colorado Springs is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 1.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Colorado Springs vs Virginia Beach?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Colorado Springs and $1,350/month in Virginia Beach — a difference of about $0 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Colorado Springs or Virginia Beach?+
Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. Virginia has a state income tax of 5.75% (top) and sales tax of 5.30%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Colorado Springs to Virginia Beach?+
Median household income in Colorado Springs is $72,000 compared to $76,000 in Virginia Beach. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Colorado Springs vs Virginia Beach?+
The median home price in Colorado Springs is $400,000 versus $340,000 in Virginia Beach — a difference of $60,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while Virginia averages 0.74%.