Salary vs Cost of Living Calculator
Compare Salaries Across Different Cities
See how far your salary goes in different cities. Enter your salary and current location to find the equivalent salary needed elsewhere.
Cost of Living Comparison
Equivalent Salary in San Francisco
$108,889
Current Salary
$80,000
Difference
+$28,889
COL Index Change
36.1%

Frequently Asked Questions
How is cost of living calculated?
Cost of living indices compare prices for housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and goods across locations. The national average is typically 100. A city with 120 is 20% more expensive.
What salary do I need to maintain my lifestyle in a new city?
Multiply your current salary by (target city COL ÷ current city COL). If you earn $70,000 in a 100-index city and move to a 150-index city, you'd need $105,000 for the same lifestyle.
Why consider cost of living in job offers?
A $100,000 salary in San Francisco provides a lower standard of living than $70,000 in Austin due to housing costs. Always compare offers using cost-of-living-adjusted figures.