CalculatorsCost of Living
Cost of Living Calculator
Compare expenses between cities and see how far your salary goes in different locations across the US.
Compare Cities
ACurrent City
$
BTarget City
Overall Cost Index
101
National average = 100
Results
Equivalent Salary Needed
$46,679.45
in Austin, TX
Overall Difference
-37.8%
Less expensive than New York, NY
Salary Difference
-$28,320.55
per year to maintain lifestyle
Category Breakdown
Housing-56.3%
New York, NY240
Austin, TX105
Food & Groceries-14.8%
New York, NY115
Austin, TX98
Transportation-26.9%
New York, NY130
Austin, TX95
Healthcare-18.3%
New York, NY120
Austin, TX98
Utilities-11.3%
New York, NY115
Austin, TX102
Entertainment-16.0%
New York, NY125
Austin, TX105
Cost indices are relative to the national average (100). A score of 120 means 20% above the national average. Data reflects typical metropolitan area costs. Individual costs may vary based on specific neighborhoods and lifestyle choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
A cost of living index measures relative price levels across different geographic areas. The national average is set at 100 as the baseline. A city with an index of 120 is 20% more expensive than average, while a score of 85 means 15% cheaper than average.
The index combines weighted categories including housing (35%), food (15%), transportation (15%), entertainment (15%), healthcare (10%), and utilities (10%). Housing typically has the largest weight because it represents the biggest share of household spending.
The index combines weighted categories including housing (35%), food (15%), transportation (15%), entertainment (15%), healthcare (10%), and utilities (10%). Housing typically has the largest weight because it represents the biggest share of household spending.
New York City is roughly 70-90% more expensive than the national average overall, driven primarily by housing costs that are about 140% above the national baseline. However, costs vary significantly by category.
Food and groceries run about 15% higher, transportation about 30% higher, and healthcare roughly 20% above average. Manhattan is considerably more expensive than the outer boroughs. A $75,000 salary in an average US city would need to be approximately $130,000-$140,000 in NYC to maintain the same standard of living.
Food and groceries run about 15% higher, transportation about 30% higher, and healthcare roughly 20% above average. Manhattan is considerably more expensive than the outer boroughs. A $75,000 salary in an average US city would need to be approximately $130,000-$140,000 in NYC to maintain the same standard of living.
Absolutely. A cost of living adjustment should be a core part of any relocation negotiation. If you are moving from Austin to San Francisco, for example, you may need a 50-70% salary increase just to maintain the same purchasing power.
Beyond base salary, negotiate relocation packages, signing bonuses, and housing stipends. Many employers use cost of living data to set location-based pay bands. Research your target city's index before negotiations so you can present data-backed salary requirements rather than arbitrary numbers.
Beyond base salary, negotiate relocation packages, signing bonuses, and housing stipends. Many employers use cost of living data to set location-based pay bands. Research your target city's index before negotiations so you can present data-backed salary requirements rather than arbitrary numbers.
Housing is by far the most variable expense between cities, often differing by 200-300% between the cheapest and most expensive metros. A one-bedroom apartment averaging $900/month in Memphis could cost $3,500+ in San Francisco.
After housing, childcare and healthcare show the largest regional variation. Transportation costs depend heavily on whether a city has viable public transit. Food and utilities tend to vary less, typically within 15-25% of the national average. Entertainment costs also vary significantly in cities like NYC and San Francisco.
After housing, childcare and healthcare show the largest regional variation. Transportation costs depend heavily on whether a city has viable public transit. Food and utilities tend to vary less, typically within 15-25% of the national average. Entertainment costs also vary significantly in cities like NYC and San Francisco.
Remote work has decoupled salary from location for many workers, creating geographic arbitrage opportunities. Earning a San Francisco salary while living in a city with a cost index of 80-90 can dramatically increase your effective purchasing power and savings rate.
However, some employers adjust pay based on employee location. Before relocating, confirm your company's remote compensation policy. Consider factors beyond cost: state income tax rates, quality of life, proximity to airports, and internet infrastructure. Many remote workers optimize for cities with low cost of living but strong amenities like Austin, Raleigh, or Salt Lake City.
However, some employers adjust pay based on employee location. Before relocating, confirm your company's remote compensation policy. Consider factors beyond cost: state income tax rates, quality of life, proximity to airports, and internet infrastructure. Many remote workers optimize for cities with low cost of living but strong amenities like Austin, Raleigh, or Salt Lake City.