US Cost of Living Calculator – Compare Cities and Estimate Equivalent Salary | WordMitr
US Cost of Living Calculator
Compare two US cities, estimate your equivalent salary, and understand how your day-to-day costs might change before you accept a job or plan a move.
This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not give legal, tax, or financial advice.
Start by choosing your current city, the city you’re considering, and your current annual salary. We’ll estimate how much you would need to earn in the new location to maintain a similar lifestyle.
This is a simplified comparison using cost-of-living indices (housing, food, transport, and utilities). Use it as a starting point when evaluating job offers, remote work moves, or college relocations.
Tip: Use your base salary before bonuses to keep comparisons simple.
Comparison Results
Estimated Equivalent Salary
$0
to maintain similar lifestyle
Relative Cost Difference
0%
City Cost Impact
Similar Cost
These are approximate estimates based on composite US cost-of-living indices (housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation). Always double-check with local data, your employer, or a professional advisor before making final decisions.
How this US cost of living calculator works
Data Sources & Methodology
This tool uses aggregate Consumer Price Index (CPI) trends and publicly available cost-of-living indices (referencing 2024-2025 base data) to estimate relative price differences. It compares weighted baskets of goods including:
- Housing (30% weight): Median rent and property prices in metro areas.
- Food & Groceries (15% weight): Standard market baskets.
- Transportation (10% weight): Gas, insurance, and public transit averages.
- Utilities & Misc (45% weight): Energy, healthcare, and discretionary spending.
*Note: Real-time prices fluctuate. This calculator provides a baseline comparison rather than an exact financial audit.
Comparing cities isn't just about rent—it's about the whole picture. Our algorithm simplifies hundreds of data points into a single "Cost Factor" for each city. For example, a city with a factor of 150 is roughly 50% more expensive than the national average (base 100).
It’s not perfect, and it won’t capture every detail of your situation, but it can help you have a more grounded conversation when you’re negotiating a remote job, moving for school, or thinking about relocating inside the US.
Who this calculator is especially useful for
- • US workers comparing job offers in different cities and wondering if a higher salary really means more money left at the end of the month.
- • Remote employees thinking about moving from a high-cost city to a lower-cost area.
- • Students or families relocating across states who want a rough cost comparison before planning a detailed budget.
Try these related WordMitr tools
- US Travel Budget Calculator – plan flights, stay and daily spend for your next trip.
- Crypto Tax & Profit Calculator (US) – estimate gains and holding period classification.
- BMI & Calorie Calculator – keep an eye on your health as you adjust to a new city routine.
- View all WordMitr tools – money, health, lifestyle and content tools in one place.
Quick FAQs
Is this calculator accurate enough to sign a lease or job contract? ›
No. It is a helpful starting point, not a final answer. Always check local rent listings, utilities, taxes, and employer benefits before committing to a move or offer.
Does this tool calculate US income tax or state tax? ›
No. It only compares general cost-of-living indices. For tax-related estimates on investments, you can explore our Crypto Tax & Profit Calculator, but it is also educational only.
Can I use this outside the US? ›
The tool is designed with a US audience in mind and uses US city indices. For international moves, treat the results as very rough guidance only.
Relocation Guide: The Hidden Costs of Moving
State Income Tax Shock
One of the biggest oversights when moving states is income tax differences.
Moving from Texas (0% state income tax) to California (up to 13.3%) is a massive pay cut, even if your gross salary stays the same. Conversely, moving to a state with no income tax (like Florida, Nevada, or Washington) can feel like an instant raise.
The "Sunshine Tax"
Cities with desirable weather (San Diego, Honolulu, Miami) often have a "Sunshine Tax"—lower wages relative to the high cost of living, simply because people are willing to accept less money to live in paradise.
Dual-City Living (Remote Work)
A growing trend is "geo-arbitrage": earning a high salary from a company based in a tier-1 city (like NYC or SF) while living in a tier-2 or tier-3 city with lower costs.
However, many companies now adjust pay based on your residence zip code. Always clarify this policy before moving.
Moving Truck & Logistics
A full-service cross-country move for a 2-bedroom apartment can cost between $5,000 and $10,000.
Tip: Sell heavy, low-value furniture (like IKEA desks) locally and buy new at the destination. It’s often cheaper than paying to ship it 2,000 miles.