What is the Cost of Living Salary Comparison Calculator?
This calculator helps you figure out how much you would need to earn in a different city to maintain the same standard of living you have today. It uses cost of living (COL) indices — relative measures of how expensive housing, food, transport and other essentials are in a given location — to scale your salary up or down. It works with any consistent index system (such as a base of 100), so it applies to any country or pair of cities.
How to Use It
Enter your current salary, then enter the cost of living index for your current city and for the city you are considering. The indices must come from the same source so they are comparable. Click calculate to see the equivalent salary, the absolute difference, and the percentage change.
The Formula Explained
The core equation is simple:
$$\text{Equivalent Salary} = \text{Current Salary} \times \frac{\text{Destination Index}}{\text{Current Index}}$$If your destination is more expensive, the ratio is greater than 1 and you will need a higher salary. If it is cheaper, the ratio is below 1 and a lower salary keeps you even. The percentage change shows the raise (or cut) relative to your current pay.
Worked Example
Suppose you earn $60,000 in a city with a COL index of 100, and you are moving to a city with an index of 120. The equivalent salary is
$$60{,}000 \times \frac{120}{100} = \$72{,}000$$That is $12,000 more, a 20% increase, just to break even on living costs.
FAQ
Where do I find cost of living indices? Many websites publish city COL indices, often with a base value of 100 for a reference city. Always use indices from the same source.
Does this include taxes? No. The calculator reflects living costs only. Income tax differences between locations are not factored in.
What if the result is lower than my current salary? That means the destination city is cheaper, so you could maintain your lifestyle on less income.
