Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Short Pump, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 1.4% more expensive than Short Pump, VA. This translates to spending an extra $108 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Short Pump, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Short Pump, VA, you'd need approximately $151,301.088 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Short Pump, VA and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 12.6% more expensive than in Short Pump, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $975/month in Short Pump, VA.

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

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $108 more per month than Short Pump, VA, or $1301 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Short Pump, VA vs Raleigh, NC: 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 $108/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $151.3K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 1.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$108

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$1.3K

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:101

Median Home:$512K

Short Pump, VA

The Old Dominion State

31K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Short Pump, VA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Short Pump, VA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,192/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $277more	12.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,228/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $56.27more	4.6%
📦Other	$1,681/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $26.81more	1.6%
🛒Groceries	$938/mo	$959/mo	↑ $21.25more	2.3%
🏥Healthcare	$618/mo	$601/mo	↓ $16.98less	2.7%
⚡All Utilities	$561/mo	$546/mo	↓ $14.61less	2.6%

🏠Housing

↑ 12.6%

Short Pump, VA

$2,192

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$277

🚗Transportation

↑ 4.6%

Short Pump, VA

$1,228

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$56.27

📦Other

↑ 1.6%

Short Pump, VA

$1,681

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$26.81

🛒Groceries

↑ 2.3%

Short Pump, VA

$938

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$21.25

🏥Healthcare

↓ 2.7%

Short Pump, VA

$618

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$16.98

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.6%

Short Pump, VA

$561

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$14.61

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$691

To$1,570

↑ $879

1 Bed

From$772

To$1,640

↑ $868

2 Bed

From$975

To$1,800

↑ $825

3 Bed

From$1,341

To$2,255

↑ $914

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$350

Difference

Home Values

Short Pump

Raleigh

Median Value

$512K

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$104

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.8%

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

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Short Pump, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.