Cost of Living Calculator
Moving to a new city? Find out what salary you need to maintain your current lifestyle. Compare cost of living across major US cities based on housing, food, transportation, and services.
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Cost of Living Index — Major US Cities
New York City = 100 (base). Higher = more expensive. Indices are approximate composites of housing, food, transportation, and services.
| City | COL Index | vs. New York City |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 100 | Baseline |
| San Francisco, CA | 97 | 3% cheaper |
| Honolulu, HI | 90 | 10% cheaper |
| Boston, MA | 86 | 14% cheaper |
| Washington, DC | 83 | 17% cheaper |
| Los Angeles, CA | 80 | 20% cheaper |
| Seattle, WA | 76 | 24% cheaper |
| Miami, FL | 66 | 34% cheaper |
| Chicago, IL | 64 | 36% cheaper |
| Denver, CO | 63 | 37% cheaper |
| Austin, TX | 62 | 38% cheaper |
| Portland, OR | 61 | 39% cheaper |
| Minneapolis, MN | 59 | 41% cheaper |
| Atlanta, GA | 57 | 43% cheaper |
| Nashville, TN | 56 | 44% cheaper |
| Phoenix, AZ | 55 | 45% cheaper |
| Dallas, TX | 54 | 46% cheaper |
| Charlotte, NC | 52 | 48% cheaper |
| Houston, TX | 51 | 49% cheaper |
| Columbus, OH | 48 | 52% cheaper |
Source: Composite estimates based on BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey, Census Bureau housing data, and Numbeo city cost indices. Indices updated 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Francisco or New York more expensive?
They're comparable at the top of the US cost spectrum. New York is slightly more expensive overall due to higher taxes and transit costs, while San Francisco's housing in desirable neighborhoods rivals Manhattan. Both cities are roughly 50–100% more expensive than mid-tier cities like Denver, Austin, or Atlanta. Remote workers leaving either city for the Midwest or South typically see dramatic lifestyle improvements at the same income.
Should I take a lower salary to move to a cheaper city?
Use this calculator to find your break-even point. If Austin's cost of living is 62% of New York's, a $120,000 NYC salary is equivalent to about $74,400 in Austin. If your new employer offers more than that, you come out ahead financially. Don't forget to factor in state income tax — Texas has no income tax, which adds meaningfully to take-home pay versus California or New York.
How accurate are these cost of living estimates?
These indices are useful for ballpark comparisons but your actual cost difference depends heavily on lifestyle — especially housing choices. Someone renting in Manhattan vs. buying a house in suburban Columbus will see very different numbers. For a precise comparison, research specific rental or housing costs, groceries, and transportation in your target neighborhood.
Does cost of living affect my taxes?
Indirectly, yes. Moving from a high-tax state (California, New York) to a no-income-tax state (Texas, Florida, Washington) significantly increases take-home pay on the same salary. Use our Paycheck Calculator to compare take-home pay in different states — the difference can exceed $5,000–$15,000/year for higher earners.
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