Free Cost of Living Calculator 2026
Compare the true cost of living between US cities and states. See how housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and taxes differ. Make informed decisions about relocating or negotiating salary.
Cost of Living Calculator 2026 — Compare US Cities
Cost of living varies dramatically across the United States. A $75,000 salary in Boise, Idaho provides the same standard of living as $135,000 in New York City or $131,000 in San Francisco. Understanding cost of living differences is essential when considering a job offer, relocating, or negotiating salary. Our free cost of living calculator compares 16+ major US cities using a comprehensive index that includes housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What Is a Cost of Living Index?
The cost of living index measures relative expenses between locations. The national average is set at 100. A city with an index of 130 is 30% more expensive than average. Key components include:
- Housing (30%): Rent or mortgage, property taxes, homeowners insurance
- Transportation (15%): Gas, car insurance, public transit, vehicle maintenance
- Food (13%): Groceries and dining out
- Healthcare (8%): Insurance premiums, co-pays, prescriptions
- Utilities (7%): Electricity, water, gas, internet, phone
- Taxes (variable): State income tax (0%-13.3%), sales tax (0%-10.25%), property tax
Most Expensive US Cities (2026)
- Manhattan, NY: Index 148 — $100K salary = $68K purchasing power
- San Francisco, CA: Index 139 — $100K salary = $72K purchasing power
- Honolulu, HI: Index 135 — Island premium on all goods
- Brooklyn, NY: Index 132
- Los Angeles, CA: Index 128
- Boston, MA: Index 121
- Seattle, WA: Index 117
- Washington, DC: Index 113
- San Diego, CA: Index 112
Most Affordable US Cities (2026)
- Huntsville, AL: Index 72 — $100K salary = $139K purchasing power
- Boise, ID: Index 73
- Columbus, OH: Index 78
- Charlotte, NC: Index 82
- Raleigh, NC: Index 84
- Nashville, TN: Index 88
- Phoenix, AZ: Index 91
- Dallas, TX: Index 95
- Atlanta, GA: Index 96
State Tax Impact on Cost of Living
State taxes can significantly affect your take-home pay:
- No state income tax: Florida, Texas, Nevada, Washington, Wyoming, South Dakota, Alaska, Tennessee, New Hampshire
- Highest income tax: California (13.3%), Hawaii (11%), New Jersey (10.75%), Oregon (9.9%), Minnesota (9.85%)
- No sales tax: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon
- Lowest property tax: Hawaii (0.28%), Alabama (0.41%), Colorado (0.51%), Nevada (0.55%)
How to Use This Cost of Living Calculator
- Select your current city (or "National Average" if not listed)
- Select your destination city
- Enter your current salary
- See the equivalent salary needed to maintain the same standard of living
When evaluating a job offer in a new city, always factor in cost of living. A $90,000 offer in Atlanta (Index 96) is worth more than a $120,000 offer in San Francisco (Index 139) after adjusting for housing and taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cost of living index?
National average = 100. A city at 130 is 30% more expensive. Components: housing (30%), transportation (15%), food (13%), healthcare (8%), utilities (7%).
Which US city has the highest cost of living?
Manhattan, NY (index 148), San Francisco (139), Honolulu (135), Brooklyn (132).
Which US city has the lowest cost of living?
Huntsville, AL (index 72), Boise, ID (73), Columbus, OH (78), Charlotte, NC (82).
How much do I need to live in NYC?
A comfortable lifestyle in Manhattan typically requires $100,000+ for a single person, $150,000+ for a family. A $50K salary elsewhere = ~$74K in NYC.