Free Tool

City Cost-of-Living Comparison

See how housing, food, utilities, transportation, and taxes differ between any two U.S. cities — and what income you'd need to maintain your lifestyle after a move.

Compare Two Cities

Select a current city and a destination, enter your annual income, and see a category-by-category breakdown of cost differences.

About this tool: Results are based on cost-of-living index data informed by Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) regional expenditure surveys and Census household spending data. Figures are approximate metro-level averages. Individual costs vary by neighborhood, household size, and lifestyle. This tool does not provide financial advice.
Used to estimate how much income you'd need in your destination city to maintain your current lifestyle.

Understanding Your Results

What the Index Means

A cost-of-living index of 100 represents the U.S. national average. A city with an index of 130 is approximately 30% more expensive than average overall. The index is weighted across housing, food, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Why Housing Moves the Number Most

Housing typically represents 30–40% of household spending and varies dramatically between cities. A difference in housing costs can swing the overall index by 20–40 points even when every other category is similar. Learn more →

What Isn't Included

This tool does not account for personal income tax differences, property tax rates, childcare costs, student loan burdens, or career earning potential in your destination market. Read our guide on what calculators can't tell you for a full list.

Verifying the Numbers

For housing, verify current median rents on Zillow, Apartments.com, or Realtor.com. For taxes, check your destination state's revenue department website. Always use local sources to confirm major expenses before committing to a move.