Compare cost of living between 30 major US cities. See what salary you need in a new city to maintain your current standard of living.
How Cost of Living Comparison Works
Cost of living indexes compare the relative expense of living in different cities. A city with an index of 150 is 50% more expensive than the national average (index 100). The comparison formula scales your salary proportionally.
Equivalent Salary = Current Salary x (Target City Index / Origin City Index)
Example: $75,000 in Chicago (116) to New York (187):
$75,000 x (187 / 116) = $120,905
What Affects Cost of Living?
Housing: The biggest factor, often 30-50% of expenses. Varies dramatically between cities.
Transportation: Car-dependent cities vs. public transit cities have different cost profiles.
Groceries and Dining: Food costs can vary 10-30% between metro areas.
Healthcare: Insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs differ by region.
Taxes: State income tax, sales tax, and property tax rates differ significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cost of living indexes compare the average cost of goods and services (housing, food, transportation, healthcare, utilities) in a city against a national baseline of 100. A city at 150 is 50% more expensive than average.
New York City and San Francisco consistently rank as the most expensive US cities, with indexes around 180-190. Housing is the primary driver, with median rents and home prices far exceeding the national average.
Not necessarily. If your equivalent salary in the cheaper city is lower than the job offer, you may actually come out behind. Use this calculator to see the equivalent salary, then compare it to actual job offers in the target city.
Standard cost of living indexes primarily focus on consumer prices (housing, groceries, utilities, transportation). State and local tax differences are a separate factor. Some states like Texas and Florida have no income tax, which effectively increases take-home pay.
Cost of living indexes provide useful ballpark estimates but individual experiences vary. Your actual costs depend on your lifestyle, housing choices, commuting needs, and spending habits. Use these as a starting point for decision-making.
Indexes are based on composite data including housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare costs. National average = 100. Values updated for 2025 estimates.