Cost of Living Comparison
Compare the cost of living between two cities and see the income you would need to keep the same standard of living. Calculates in your browser.
Income needed to match your lifestyle
-
City indices are illustrative estimates, not a published index.
-
Show the math
Each city has a cost-of-living index (here New York ≈ 100, including rent). The income you need to keep the same standard of living scales by the ratio of the two indices:
needed = income × (destination index ÷ current index)
So moving somewhere with half the index means roughly half the income buys the same lifestyle.
The city indices are illustrative estimates for comparison, not figures from a published index, and real costs change over time, so treat the result as a guide, not a quote. Everything is calculated in your browser.
What this does
A cost-of-living comparison shows how two cities differ in everyday expenses and the income you would need in the new city to keep the same standard of living.
How to use it
- Pick your current city.
- Pick the destination city.
- Enter your current income.
- Read the income you would need.
How it works
Each city carries a cost index (here New York ≈ 100, rent included). The ratio of the two indices scales your income. The indices are illustrative estimates, not figures from a published index.
needed income = current income × (destination index ÷ current index)
Understanding your result
The needed-income figure is what keeps your standard of living flat after a move, so treat anything above it as a real raise and anything below it as a pay cut in disguise. The indices are approximate and drift over time, and they do not capture differences in tax, healthcare, or lifestyle, so use the result to frame a relocation or salary talk, not to settle it.
Example
With the tool’s illustrative indices, moving from Los Angeles (80) to New York (100) on a $60,000 salary needs about $75,000 to break even.
Last updated .
Frequently asked questions
How is the comparison made?
Each city has a cost-of-living index (here New York ≈ 100, including rent). Your needed income scales by the ratio of the destination index to your current city’s index.
Are the indices exact?
No — they are illustrative estimates, not figures from a published index, and real costs change over time. Treat the result as a guide for planning a move or negotiating pay, not a precise figure.
Does it include rent?
Yes, the illustrative indices are meant to include typical rent, which is usually the biggest difference between cities.
Is my data kept?
No. Everything is computed locally in your browser.
Related tools
Trip Cost Calculator
Build a full holiday budget from flights, lodging, food, local transport and activities, with per-person and per-day breakdowns. Calculates in your browser.
Travel Insurance Calculator
Estimate a travel insurance premium from your trip cost, length, group size, age and cover level, with per-person and per-day figures. Calculates in your browser.
Flight Time Calculator
Estimate how long a flight takes from the distance and cruise ground speed, plus a fixed allowance for taxi, take-off and descent. Calculates in your browser.
Layover Calculator
Check whether your connection time is enough by comparing it to the minimum connection time for your flight type, terminal change and bag re-check. Calculates in your browser.