Cost of Living Calculator
Compare the cost of living between two cities and find the equivalent salary you would need to maintain your lifestyle.
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Enter your details and click Calculate.
Understanding Cost of Living (COL)
The Tax Trap
Most Cost of Living indices only track the price of goods and services (groceries, housing, transport). They often ignore **State Income Tax**, which can be a massive hidden cost.
Moving from a 0% tax state (like Texas or Florida) to a high-tax state (like California or New York) effectively cuts your pay by 5-10% before you even spend a dollar. This calculator adjusts for that difference to find your true equivalent salary.
Interpreting Your Results
This calculator shows you three key numbers:
- Equivalent Salary: This is the gross salary you need in the new city to have the *exact same after-tax purchasing power* you have now. It accounts for both the COL index difference and the tax rate difference.
- Salary Difference: The raise (or pay cut) needed to break even.
- New Purchasing Power: This answers: "If I keep my *current* salary but move, what does it feel like?" If you move to a high-tax, high-cost city, your $70k might feel like $45k.
Beyond the Numbers
A COL calculator is a great starting point, but always remember to consider non-financial factors like job opportunities, quality of life, proximity to family, and personal preferences. A high salary in a city you don't enjoy may not be worth the trade-off.
💡 Salary looks good?
Check your real hourly wage after commute and taxes.