Is Austin, TX cheaper than Short Pump, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 7.7% more expensive than Short Pump, VA. This translates to spending an extra $579 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Short Pump, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Short Pump, VA, you'd need approximately $156,948.578 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Short Pump, VA and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 31.6% more expensive than in Short Pump, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $975/month in Short Pump, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Short Pump, VA to Austin, TX?

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $579 more per month than Short Pump, VA, or $6949 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Short Pump, VA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Short Pump, VA — COL adjusted from Richmond, VA area + state data

Current salary in Short Pump, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $579/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $156.9K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 7.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$579

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$6.9K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Short Pump, VA

Population:31K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$350K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:108

Median Home:$558K

Short Pump, VA

The Old Dominion State

31K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 31K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Short Pump, VA vs Austin, TX

Category	Short Pump, VA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,192/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $693more	31.6%
📦Other	$1,681/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $60.29more	3.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,228/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $56.27more	4.6%
🏥Healthcare	$618/mo	$589/mo	↓ $29.37less	4.8%
🛒Groceries	$938/mo	$959/mo	↑ $21.25more	2.3%
⚡All Utilities	$561/mo	$541/mo	↓ $20.07less	3.6%

🏠Housing

↑ 31.6%

Short Pump, VA

$2,192

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$693

📦Other

↑ 3.6%

Short Pump, VA

$1,681

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$60.29

🚗Transportation

↑ 4.6%

Short Pump, VA

$1,228

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$56.27

🏥Healthcare

↓ 4.8%

Short Pump, VA

$618

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$29.37

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 2.3%

Short Pump, VA

$938

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$21.25

⚡All Utilities

↓ 3.6%

Short Pump, VA

$561

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$20.07

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$691

To$1,585

↑ $894

1 Bed

From$772

To$1,685

↑ $913

2 Bed

From$975

To$1,995

↑ $1,020

3 Bed

From$1,341

To$2,525

↑ $1,184

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,217

Monthly in Short Pump, VA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$781

Difference

Home Values

Short Pump

Austin

Median Value

$558K

YoY Change

↓ -5%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Calculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $8.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$697

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.6%

Rate difference

Short Pump, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Short Pump, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.