Cost of Living Comparison
What would you need to earn in a new city to maintain your current lifestyle? Compare across housing, groceries, healthcare, and more.
Salary Percentile Calculator
See where your income ranks
Retirement Calculator
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Understanding Cost of Living
Cost of living measures how much it costs to maintain a standard quality of life in a given location. An index of 100 represents the national average — anything above 100 is more expensive than average, and below 100 is cheaper.
Key Cost Categories
- Housing — Usually the biggest factor. San Francisco housing costs are nearly 3x the national average.
- Groceries — Food costs vary 15-25% between the cheapest and most expensive metros.
- Transportation — Includes gas, insurance, and public transit costs.
- Healthcare — Doctor visits, insurance premiums, and prescription costs vary by region.
- Utilities — Electricity, gas, water, and internet vary significantly by climate and provider.
FAQ
What's the most expensive city in the US?
San Jose, New York, and San Francisco consistently rank as the most expensive metro areas, driven primarily by extreme housing costs.
Does a higher salary in an expensive city mean more money?
Not necessarily. A $150K salary in San Francisco has roughly the same purchasing power as $85K in Austin, once you account for housing, taxes, and everyday costs.