Cost of Living Calculator
Calculate what salary you need in different cities to maintain your lifestyle. Compare living costs across US and international destinations.
Compare Locations
Calculate your equivalent salary in another city
Cost Index: 100 • United States
Cost Index: 65 • United States
Equivalent Salary
To maintain the same standard of living
City Comparison
New York City
Austin
Good news! You'd need $26,250 less (35% lower) in Austin to maintain your lifestyle.
Salary Breakdown
US Cities
Compare living costs across major US cities
NYC (baseline)
5% more expensive than NYC
15% cheaper than NYC
32% cheaper than NYC
35% cheaper than NYC
18% cheaper than NYC
38% cheaper than NYC
12% cheaper than NYC
28% cheaper than NYC
45% cheaper than NYC
48% cheaper than NYC
45% cheaper than NYC
42% cheaper than NYC
15% cheaper than NYC
22% cheaper than NYC
48% cheaper than NYC
45% cheaper than NYC
32% cheaper than NYC
42% cheaper than NYC
45% cheaper than NYC
Best Value Cities Worldwide
Highest salary-to-cost ratio for Americans
International Comparisons
How US cities compare to popular expat destinations
Understanding Cost of Living in the USA
The cost of living varies significantly across US cities. New York City and San Francisco are among the most expensive cities with cost indices around 100-105 (NYC is our baseline). However, cities like Houston offer living costs that are 48% lower than NYC.
For those considering relocation within the US or abroad, understanding these cost differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions. Our calculator helps you compare not just overall costs, but specific categories like rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.
Key Factors We Compare
- Rent Index: Housing costs relative to NYC
- Groceries Index: Food and daily essentials
- Transport Index: Public transport and commuting costs
- Restaurants Index: Dining out and entertainment
- Average Net Salary: Typical take-home pay in the city
Use this data alongside our salary calculator to understand your true purchasing power in different locations.