About the Cost-of-Living Comparison Calculator
A bigger salary in a pricier city can leave you worse off. Using cost-of-living index values you provide, this calculator scales your salary to the equivalent needed in a new city to maintain the same standard of living.
How it’s calculated
Equivalent salary = current salary × (new city cost index ÷ current city cost index), where 100 is the national average.
Example calculation
An $80,000 salary in a city at index 100 needs about $104,000 in a city at index 130 to keep the same lifestyle.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I get the index values?
From a cost-of-living index source (many are published online), where 100 represents the US average. Enter the index for each city you're comparing.
Does this include state taxes?
No — it scales living costs only. State income taxes can meaningfully change the real comparison, so factor those in separately.
This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes and should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Your actual figures may vary with lender terms, fees, and market conditions.