Cost of Living Comparison Calculator
Compare your household budget against a different city or region using a percentage cost-of-living adjustment you enter.
Your results
Calculation breakdown
- Adjusted budget
- current budget × (1 + cost-of-living difference %)
Worked example
A $5,000 monthly budget with a location 12% more expensive adjusts to $5,600 (an extra $600 a month).
Assumptions
- The cost-of-living difference percentage is a user-supplied research figure, not an official statistic.
- Doesn't account for income differences between locations.
How this calculator works
Enter your current monthly budget and an estimated cost-of-living difference percentage for another location to see an adjusted budget estimate for comparison when considering a move.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find a cost-of-living difference percentage?
Independent cost-of-living comparison sites and salary benchmarking tools publish city comparisons — enter your own researched estimate as this varies by source and lifestyle.
Does this account for differences in income between cities?
No, this only adjusts your cost side; compare it against expected income separately for a fuller relocation picture.
Can I use this for regional versus city comparisons?
Yes, enter any percentage difference you've researched between the two locations you're comparing.
Results are estimates only and are not financial, tax, legal or credit advice.