Cost of Living Calculator
Compare cost of living between two US metros and find the salary you would need in the new city to keep the same lifestyle.
Your numbers
- Difference
- $35,962
- Cost of living change
- 42.31%
Cost indexes are approximate and for illustration only.
- Current city
- New city
How the cost of living calculator works
Equivalent salary = current salary × (new city index ÷ current city index). Indexes are approximate, with 100 equal to the US average.
Example
Using the default inputs (Current salary: $85,000; Current city: Atlanta, GA; New city: Boston, MA), the calculator returns salary needed in new city of $120,962. Change any field above to see your own result and charts update instantly.
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Frequently asked questions
How accurate are the indexes?
They are rounded approximations for illustration; housing is the largest swing factor.
What is not included?
State income tax differences, personal spending mix and neighborhood-level costs.
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Estimates are for educational purposes only and are not financial, tax or legal advice. Results depend on your inputs and simplified assumptions; tax figures reflect 2026 federal rules and may differ from your situation. See our disclaimer. © 2026 FinanzCalc.