Cost-of-Living Adjuster
What salary do you need in a different city to maintain the same standard of living?
FAQ
Where does this data come from?
BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) at the state level, plus rough metro-level estimates compiled from public data. Refreshed annually.
Why is San Francisco so high?
Housing dominates. The SF metro index is ~178 (vs national 100) primarily because housing is 2-3x national average. Other categories are closer to national norms.
What about taxes?
Cost of living indices include state and local taxes. But the income tax effect at high income levels can dominate — see the Take-Home Pay by State tool for tax-only comparison.
Should I always demand cost-of-living adjustment?
Companies vary widely. Tech companies historically paid SF/NYC rates regardless of where employee lived; some have shifted toward location-based comp. Use this tool to know what to ask for.
Disclaimer. Cost of living indices are averages and don't reflect individual lifestyle choices. Housing cost varies dramatically by neighborhood within a metro. Use as a rough guide.