Free Cost of Living Calculator
Cost of Living Comparison Calculator
Compare the cost of living between cities and states across the United States. See how far your salary goes in different locations and make informed decisions about relocating.
How This Cost of Living Calculator Works
What is a Cost of Living Calculator?
A cost of living calculator helps you understand how expensive it is to live in different cities and states compared to each other. This tool shows you the equivalent salary you'd need to maintain your current standard of living if you moved to a new location.
What is RPP (Regional Price Parity)?
Our calculator uses Regional Price Parities (RPP) data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. RPP measures the differences in price levels across states and metropolitan areas for a given year, expressed as a percentage of the overall national price level (100 = national average).
For example, if a city has an RPP of 110, prices are 10% higher than the national average. If another city has an RPP of 90, prices are 10% lower than average.
How Salary Comparisons Work
When comparing two locations, we calculate the equivalent salary — the income you'd need in the new location to have the same purchasing power. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and other living expenses.
Compare Up to 8 Locations
This free tool allows you to compare cost of living across up to 8 different cities, metro areas, or states simultaneously. Whether you're considering a job relocation, retirement destination, or just curious about living costs across America, this calculator provides the data you need.
Data from Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities. 100 = national average.
US Cost of Living Map
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Important Disclaimers
For Informational Purposes Only: This cost of living calculator is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, relocation, tax, or legal advice. You should conduct your own research and consult with qualified professionals before making any decisions about relocating or financial planning.
Data Limitations: All cost of living indices are based on Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (RPP) data and represent statistical averages. Actual costs vary significantly based on individual circumstances, lifestyle choices, specific neighborhoods, housing types, family size, and personal spending habits. The category breakdowns (housing, food, transport, etc.) are estimates and may not reflect your actual expenses.
Not Real-Time Data: RPP data is published with a delay and may not reflect current market conditions, recent inflation, housing market changes, or other economic shifts. Your actual cost of living may be higher or lower than these estimates.
Salary Equivalents: Salary adjustments and comparisons shown are simplified calculations based on relative price indices. They do not account for differences in taxes, benefits, quality of life factors, job opportunities, or other important considerations when evaluating locations.
No Guarantees: We make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided by this calculator. Use at your own risk.
By using this calculator, you acknowledge that you have read and understood these disclaimers and agree that the creators and operators of this tool are not liable for any decisions you make based on the information provided. Data sourced from Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (RPP).