George Mason, VA vs Short Pump, VA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Short Pump is 24.8% cheaper than George Mason. With a cost index of 134 vs 167, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Short Pump to George Mason should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in George Mason is $2,377/month compared to $1,804/month in Short Pump — a 32% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Short Pump is more affordable at $543,000 median vs $687,800.

Median household income in George Mason is $154,479 compared to $132,194 in Short Pump (+16.9%). The higher salaries in George Mason partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of George Mason spend roughly 18.5% of their income on rent, more than the 16.4% in Short Pump.