Cost of Living Calculator (US Cities) 2026
Compare salary equivalents across 20 US cities. NYC=187, SF=179, Austin=103, national avg=100.
To maintain the same lifestyle moving from San Francisco (COL index 179) to Austin (103), you need approximately $103,000 in Austin to match a $180,000 San Francisco salary — a 43% pay cut that still maintains equivalent purchasing power. This is why remote work to lower-cost cities has dramatically improved finances for many tech workers.
Equivalent Salary in Austin
$82,620.32
Salary Difference
$-67,379.68
Cost of Living Difference
44.92% cheaper
New York City Cost Index
187
Austin Cost Index
103
Cost index: national average = 100. Higher index = more expensive city.
Cost index: national average = 100. Higher index = more expensive city.
About This Calculator
Cost of Living (COL) comparisons help you evaluate job offers, relocation decisions, and whether a higher salary in a high-cost city truly pays better than a lower salary in a more affordable area.
The COL index sets the national average at 100. Cities above 100 cost more than average; below 100, less. New York City (187) and San Francisco (179) cost nearly twice the national average, while cities like Indianapolis (83) or Memphis (75) cost significantly less.
The comparison isn't just income tax and housing. Healthcare costs, transportation, groceries, utilities, and childcare all vary by location. Housing is typically the largest driver: median rent in San Francisco ($3,800/month for a 2BR) versus Austin ($1,900/month) is a $23,000/year difference that compounds across a career.
How to Use
- 1Select your current city from the dropdown.
- 2Select the target city you're comparing to.
- 3Enter your current salary.
- 4Review the equivalent salary in the target city and the percentage difference in purchasing power.
Formula & Methodology
Required Salary in Target City = Current Salary × (Target City COL Index ÷ Current City COL Index). Example: $150K in NYC (187) → Austin (103): $150K × (103/187) = $82,600. The $67,400 difference represents genuine purchasing power lost from moving to NYC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which US cities are most expensive to live in?
The highest COL cities (index vs national average of 100): New York City (187), San Francisco Bay Area (179), San Jose (168), Los Angeles (166), Boston (152), Washington DC (152), Seattle (149), San Diego (155). These cities require roughly 50–90% more income than the national average to maintain equivalent purchasing power.
What are the most affordable major US cities?
Most affordable major metro areas (COL index): Memphis TN (75), Oklahoma City (80), Indianapolis (83), Louisville KY (83), Columbus OH (85), Kansas City MO/KS (88), San Antonio TX (89), Houston TX (94). These cities allow the same lifestyle at 20–30% lower income than the national average.
Does moving to a no-tax state actually save money?
Often yes, but the savings depend on total COL. Moving from California to Texas eliminates 9.3% state income tax, but Texas has significantly higher property taxes (1.6–2.5% effective rate vs California's 1.1%). For homeowners, the property tax difference partially offsets income tax savings. Renters typically see larger net savings from moving to no-income-tax states.
Sources & References
- Council for Community and Economic Research — ACCRA COL Index
- MIT Living Wage Calculator
- BLS — Regional Price Parities
Last updated: 2026-04-12