Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary Comparison
Compare salaries in different cities after adjusting for cost of living. See which job offer actually gives you more spending power.
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This calculator is for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and standard financial formulas. This is not financial advice. Consult a qualified financial advisor for decisions specific to your situation. Full Disclaimer
Things to Know
Essential concepts for understanding your results
Adjusted SalaryHow do you compare salaries across cities?
Adjusted Salary = Salary × (Target City Index ÷ Current City Index). A $90,000 salary in Columbus (index 88) equals $140,000 in San Francisco (index 137) in purchasing power. The formula reveals whether a higher-salary offer in an expensive city actually improves your financial position. A $120,000 offer in San Francisco from $90,000 in Columbus sounds like a 33% raise — but adjusted, it is actually an 11% pay cut in purchasing power.
Tax AdjustmentWhy must you factor in state taxes?
State income tax creates massive variation: the same $100,000 salary nets approximately $76,000 in California (9.3% state rate at this income) vs $83,000 in Texas (0%). That $7,000/year difference compounds to $210,000 over 30 years invested. When comparing salaries across states, calculate after-tax income in each location, not just gross. A tool paying $95,000 in Austin, TX may provide more spending power than $115,000 in New York City after adjusting for both cost of living and taxes.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary Calculator: Compare Paychecks Across Cities
A cost-of-living salary comparison shows the equivalent salary you need in a new city to maintain your current standard of living. A $100,000 salary in Austin, TX has the same purchasing power as approximately $170,000 in San Francisco or $65,000 in Oklahoma City. Without this adjustment, a "raise" from a job offer in a more expensive city may actually be a pay cut.
Enter your current city, salary, and target city above. The calculator shows the equivalent salary, the specific cost differences (housing, food, transport, taxes), and your net purchasing power change.
Cost-of-Living Index by Major Metro (BLS/C2ER 2025)
| Metro | COL Index (100 = avg) | $100K Equivalent | Biggest Driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | 170 | $170,000 | Housing (3.2× avg) |
| New York (Manhattan) | 165 | $165,000 | Housing (3.0× avg) |
| Los Angeles | 150 | $150,000 | Housing (2.5× avg) |
| Seattle | 145 | $145,000 | Housing (2.3× avg) |
| Boston | 140 | $140,000 | Housing (2.0× avg) |
| Denver | 115 | $115,000 | Housing (1.4× avg) |
| National Average | 100 | $100,000 | — |
| Dallas | 95 | $95,000 | No state income tax |
| Columbus, OH | 88 | $88,000 | Housing (0.7× avg) |
| Oklahoma City | 85 | $85,000 | Housing + food below avg |
State income tax matters enormously: Moving from California (13.3% top rate) to Texas (0%) on a $150,000 salary: approximately $10,000-$14,000/year in tax savings alone — before any cost-of-living difference. This is why "equivalent salary" calculations must include the tax impact, not just living costs.
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