Cost of living calculator - compare any two US cities 2026

Compare the cost of living between any two US cities and instantly see the equivalent salary you would need to maintain your current lifestyle. Covers housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and more.

NYC vs Austin SF vs Denver Chicago vs Nashville LA vs Phoenix Seattle vs Boise Boston vs Charlotte

Cost of living comparison calculator - 2026

Select two cities and your current salary to see what you would need to earn to live the same lifestyle

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Used to calculate the equivalent salary you would need in the new city
Equivalent salary needed in
City 1
City 2

Cost of living indices are estimates based on 2025-2026 data. Individual costs vary significantly based on neighborhood, lifestyle, and personal circumstances. This calculator is for general comparison purposes only.

Data sources and cost of living references

Cost of living index data sourced from C2ER and Bureau of Economic Analysis

Cost of living indices used in this calculator are sourced from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) Cost of Living Index, which is the most widely used cost of living measure for US cities. The index is updated quarterly and covers more than 300 urban areas.

Primary sources

Cost of living data is updated quarterly. Actual costs vary significantly within cities and by lifestyle. Found an error? Contact us.

Frequently asked questions - cost of living

How is cost of living calculated?
Cost of living is measured using an index that compares the relative cost of goods and services across cities. The national average is typically set at 100. A city with an index of 150 is 50% more expensive than average, while a city at 80 is 20% less expensive. The index covers housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, utilities, and miscellaneous expenses.
What salary do I need if I move to a more expensive city?
To maintain the same purchasing power when moving to a more expensive city, multiply your current salary by the ratio of the new city's cost of living index to your current city's index. For example, moving from a city with index 100 to one with index 130 means you need 30% more salary. Our calculator does this automatically for you.
Which US cities have the highest cost of living?
The most expensive US cities include New York City (especially Manhattan), San Francisco, San Jose, Honolulu, and Boston. These cities have very high housing costs that drive the overall index well above the national average. San Francisco and New York typically have cost of living indices 60-100% above the national average.
Which US cities have the lowest cost of living?
The most affordable major US cities include Memphis, TN, Wichita, KS, Oklahoma City, OK, Tulsa, OK, and El Paso, TX. These cities have below-average housing costs and generally lower prices across all categories. Many mid-size Southern and Midwestern cities offer strong quality of life at significantly lower costs than coastal metros.