Salary Comparison by City
Enter your current salary and city, then pick target cities to see what you'd really need to earn — adjusted for cost of living, housing, and taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the cost of living index calculated?
The cost of living index uses a baseline of 100, representing the US national average. A city with an index of 150 means it costs 50% more than the average US city to maintain the same standard of living. The index factors in housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities.
Does the salary comparison account for taxes?
Yes, the tool factors in state and local income tax rates (or national tax rates for international cities) to show the approximate after-tax impact. Keep in mind that actual tax liability depends on many individual factors including filing status, deductions, and credits.
How accurate is the housing cost data?
The housing costs shown represent average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center as of early 2026. Actual costs vary significantly by neighborhood, apartment size, and market conditions. Use these figures as a relative comparison rather than exact amounts.
Should I base my relocation decision solely on this tool?
No. While salary and cost of living are critical factors, you should also consider career growth opportunities, quality of life, proximity to family, climate preferences, healthcare access, and personal lifestyle priorities. This tool provides the financial picture to inform — not replace — your decision.
What does purchasing power mean in this context?
Purchasing power represents how much your salary can actually buy in a given city after adjusting for the local cost of living. A higher purchasing power score means your dollar goes further. For example, a $100K salary in a city with index 80 gives you more purchasing power than the same salary in a city with index 150.