Cost of Living Comparison
Compare the cost of living across 77 major U.S. metro areas. See how housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities stack up — and calculate your salary equivalent in any city.
Key Numbers
Most Expensive
Honolulu / NYC
Least Expensive
OKC / Memphis
National Index
100 baseline
Largest Variance
Housing costs
Select Cities to Compare (up to 5)
Cost Index by Category(National Average = 100)
Cost Profile Shape
Salary Equivalence Calculator
See how far your salary goes in each city. Pick your base city and enter your income — the tool calculates the equivalent salary needed in every other selected metro to maintain the same purchasing power.
Salary equivalence uses the C2ER composite cost index: equivalent = base salary × (target index ÷ base index). This accounts for weighted differences across housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities.
Detailed Comparison
| Metro | Overall | Housing | Grocery | Transport | Health | Utilities | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York City, NY | 187.2 | 342.0 | 108.3 | 112.5 | 114.8 | 106.2 | 19.9M |
| Denver, CO | 113.5 | 132.0 | 103.0 | 99.5 | 108.5 | 90.2 | 3.0M |
| Atlanta, GA | 98.0 | 97.5 | 99.8 | 103.2 | 101.5 | 102.8 | 6.2M |
| National Avg | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | — |
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified professional for guidance tailored to your situation.
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