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Cost of Living Calculator (Salary Comparison)

Is a $10,000 raise worth it if your rent doubles? Use this calculator to compare the true cost of living between two cities.

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FAQ

How does this calculate 'Equivalent Salary'?
It calculates the difference in major expenses (Housing, Food, Utilities) and adds that difference to your current salary, grossed up for taxes. It answers: 'How much do I need to earn to have the same lifestyle?'
Where do I find the 'Price Difference' percentages?
You can find city comparison data on sites like Numbeo or NerdWallet. For example, if Numbeo says groceries in NYC are 20% higher than in Austin, enter '20' in the Groceries field.
Does this include state taxes?
This tool uses a simplified tax estimate. Moving from a no-tax state (like TX or FL) to a high-tax state (like CA or NY) will have a *massive* impact not fully captured here. You should add an extra 5-10% buffer to the 'Required Salary' if moving to a high-tax jurisdiction.
Why is housing the biggest factor?
For most people, rent or mortgage is the single largest monthly expense. A 50% increase in rent often outweighs a 20% increase in food prices. Always secure a housing estimate before accepting a job offer.

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The Relocation Trap

A higher salary doesn't always mean more money. If you move from Des Moines to San Francisco for a $50,000 raise, you might actually be taking a pay cut. **The Purchasing Power Parity:** $100,000 in a low-cost city might feel like $250,000 in a high-cost city. Your quality of life depends on your 'disposable income'—what's left after the bills are paid—not the number on your offer letter.

The Big Three Expenses

When comparing cities, focus on these three levers: 1. **Housing:** This is usually the dealbreaker. Check Zillow or Apartments.com for real-time listings. Do not rely on outdated averages. 2. **Taxes:** State income tax ranges from 0% (WA, TX, FL) to over 13% (CA). This comes directly out of your paycheck. 3. **Commute:** A 'cheaper' house 1 hour away costs you 10 hours a week (unpaid time) plus gas and wear-and-tear.

Salary Negotiation Leverage

Use the output of this calculator in your salary negotiation. *"I'm excited about the role, but based on the 40% higher cost of living in Seattle, I would need a base salary of $X to maintain my current standard of living."* Data is a powerful negotiation tool. It makes your request objective, not greedy.

Data Privacy & Security

In an era where digital privacy is paramount, we have designed this tool with a 'privacy-first' architecture. Unlike many online calculators that send your data to remote servers for processing, our tool executes all mathematical logic directly within your browser. This means your sensitive inputs—whether financial, medical, or personal—never leave your device. You can use this tool with complete confidence, knowing that your data remains under your sole control.

Accuracy and Methodology

Our tools are built upon verified mathematical models and industry-standard formulas. We regularly audit our calculation logic against authoritative sources to ensure precision. However, it is important to remember that automated tools are designed to provide estimates and projections based on the inputs provided. Real-world scenarios can be complex, involving variables that a general-purpose calculator may not fully capture. Therefore, we recommend using these results as a starting point for further analysis or consultation with qualified professionals.

Fact-checked and reviewed by CalcPanda Editorial Team
Last updated: January 2026
References: WHO Guidelines on BMI, World Bank Financial Standards, ISO Calculation Protocols.
Cost of Living Calculator | Relocation Salary Comparison