Salary Comparison by City
Enter your job, salary, and cities. We'll show you the cost-of-living adjusted equivalent — so you can compare offers apples-to-apples.
Common Questions
Why does my salary need to be adjusted for cost of living?
A $150,000 salary in San Francisco has the purchasing power of roughly $80,000 in Columbus, Ohio. Without a cost-of-living adjustment, comparing raw salaries across cities is misleading — the same number can mean very different lifestyles.
What data does this calculator use?
We use BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) regional CPI data and the C2ER Cost of Living Index, which surveys prices for housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and other goods across hundreds of US cities.
Does the calculator account for state income taxes?
State income tax rates are shown as context for each city, but the base adjustment formula uses the full COL index rather than tax rates alone. Your actual take-home pay will vary based on your full tax situation, filing status, and deductions.
Which cities have the lowest cost of living?
Among major metros, Birmingham, Memphis, Columbus, and Kansas City consistently rank as the most affordable. These cities typically have COL indices 15–25% below the national average, meaning your dollar goes significantly further.
Is a higher salary always better when moving cities?
Not necessarily. A 20% salary increase that comes with a 40% higher cost of living actually represents a pay cut in purchasing power. Always run the numbers — this tool helps you see the real value of any offer.
Want to understand how cost-of-living adjustments work?
Read: How to Use a Cost of Living Salary Calculator →