Salary alone doesn't tell you much
A raise that comes with a move to a pricier city can be a pay cut in real terms. Once you have an equivalent figure, run it through the Take-Home Pay Calculator to see the actual paycheck difference after tax.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find a cost-of-living index?
Sites like Numbeo and BestPlaces publish city-level cost-of-living indices, usually set so 100 equals a national average. Look up your current and destination cities and enter the two numbers below.
Does this account for taxes?
No — this compares general living costs (housing, groceries, transport) only. State and local income tax differences can be significant on top of this and are worth checking separately.
Is a lower index always better?
Not necessarily — it depends what you value. A lower cost-of-living city often means a lower ceiling on wages and amenities too, so weigh the equivalent-salary number against career and lifestyle factors, not just the number itself.
Last updated: June 2026