Compare Cost of Living Between Cities
Compare salary purchasing power between cities. See how far your money goes in a new location.
Understanding Cost of Living Differences
A $75,000 salary in a low-cost Midwest city (cost index 85) has the same purchasing power as approximately $150,000 in San Francisco (index 170). Housing is the biggest driver — rent/mortgage typically makes up 30-40% of expenses and varies by 2-3x between cities. A $1,500/month apartment in Indianapolis costs $3,500 in Boston and $4,500+ in NYC for comparable quality.
Beyond the Salary Number
When comparing job offers in different cities, adjust for: housing (30-40% of expenses, biggest variable), state income tax (0% in Texas/Florida vs 13% in California), transportation (car vs public transit), childcare (varies $800-3,000/month by region), and food/entertainment. A $100,000 offer in Austin may leave you with more disposable income than $140,000 in NYC after all adjustments.
Remote workers earning big-city salaries while living in low-cost areas have a massive purchasing power advantage. A $120,000 SF salary in Boise, Idaho (cost index ~95) buys like $215,000 would in SF. This "geographic arbitrage" is one of the most powerful financial strategies available to remote workers.
