City Comparison

Stafford vs Virginia Beach: How they compare

Stafford County offers affordable homes and a growing community south of the D. Virginia Beach is the state's most populous city, offering oceanfront living, a thriving resort economy, and proximity to major military installations. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Stafford is pricier ($560K median vs $370K), a difference of about $190K. Virginia Beach moves faster, with homes averaging 22 days on market compared to 27 in Stafford. Virginia Beach offers a lower entry point at $175K–$2M+.

Stafford

VA

Virginia Beach

VA

Median Price

$560K

$370K

Avg Days on Market

27 days

22 days

Price Range

$108K–$1.3M

$175K–$2M+

Top Neighborhoods

Aquia Harbour, Stafford Lakes, Embrey Mill, Winding Creek

Oceanfront, Town Center, Great Neck, Kempsville

VA

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VA

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Related Comparisons

See how other nearby cities stack up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Stafford or Virginia Beach more affordable?

Virginia Beach is more affordable with a median home price of $370K, compared to $560K in Stafford. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Stafford prices range from $108K–$1.3M. Virginia Beach prices range from $175K–$2M+.

How do Stafford and Virginia Beach compare?

Stafford County offers affordable homes and a growing community south of the D. Virginia Beach is the state's most populous city, offering oceanfront living, a thriving resort economy, and proximity to major military installations. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover can connect you with a verified agent in either city.

Market data verified by smover using real transaction records. School data from Virginia DOE, Maryland MSDE, and DC OSSE public reports. Property tax rates from Virginia Dept. of Taxation (2024). Walkability scores from Walk Score (2024). Crime data from FBI UCR and Virginia State Police (2023). Commute times are approximate rush-hour estimates. Updated June 2026.

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Stafford vs Virginia Beach: Compare Real Estate, Schools, Commute (2026) | smover