How this cost of living calculator works
Pick the city you live in now and the one you're considering, then enter your salary. Each city has a composite cost-of-living index where 100 is the US average — a city at 150 costs about 50% more than average for housing, food, transport, healthcare and everyday goods.
The calculator divides the new city's index by your current city's and applies that ratio to your salary. The result is the pay you'd need in the new city to maintain the same standard of living.
Comparing a job offer
If you already have an offer, enter it in the optional field. The calculator converts the offer back into current-city dollars, so you can see whether a bigger paycheck actually buys more. A $95,000 offer in a city that's 30% pricier may leave you with less buying power than your current salary.
Getting a more accurate comparison
- Housing drives most of the gap. If you'll rent or own in a cheaper or pricier neighborhood than average, compare actual listings and use a custom index.
- Enter your monthly spending to get a rough estimate of what the same lifestyle would cost in the new city.
- Don't forget taxes. State and local income tax can shift your take-home pay noticeably — check it with the salary-after-tax calculator.
- Remote work changes the math. Some employers adjust pay by location; the equivalent salary here is a useful benchmark when negotiating.
Frequently asked questions
What does a cost of living index of 100 mean?
100 represents the US average. A city with an index of 120 is about 20% more expensive than average, and one at 85 is about 15% cheaper. The index blends housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare and other everyday costs.
How accurate are the city indexes?
They are rounded planning estimates, not official statistics, and real costs vary by neighborhood and lifestyle. If you have a figure from a source you trust, choose "Custom index" and enter it.
Why do I need a higher salary in some cities?
Housing is the biggest factor. Cities with higher rents and home prices need a higher salary to afford the same home, even if groceries and transport cost about the same.
Does this account for income taxes?
No. It compares living costs only. State and local income taxes differ from place to place, so compare take-home pay as well, for example with a salary-after-tax calculator.
Can I compare cities that aren't listed?
Yes. Choose "Custom index" for either city and enter an index where 100 is the US average.
City cost-of-living figures are rounded estimates for general planning only. Actual costs vary by neighborhood, household and lifestyle.