Moving Cities?
Know What Salary You Need.
Compare cost of living across 130 US and Canadian metros. Calculate your salary equivalence, housing costs, and tax differences before you relocate.
Salary Equivalence Calculator
Enter your current salary and cities to see what you need to maintain the same standard of living.
Housing-adjusted figure uses housing-only index. Tax rates are approximate state/provincial averages; consult a tax professional for precise estimates.
Popular City Comparisons
Most searched relocation pairs with pre-calculated salary equivalence.
New York, NY vs Austin, TX
-36.2% COLSalary equivalence: $75,000 in New York, NY = $47,826 in Austin, TX
San Francisco, CA vs Denver, CO
-37.8% COLSalary equivalence: $92,000 in San Francisco, CA = $57,244 in Denver, CO
Los Angeles, CA vs Phoenix, AZ
-27.6% COLSalary equivalence: $68,000 in Los Angeles, CA = $49,241 in Phoenix, AZ
Seattle, WA vs Austin, TX
-18.5% COLSalary equivalence: $78,000 in Seattle, WA = $63,555 in Austin, TX
Boston, MA vs Raleigh, NC
-30.0% COLSalary equivalence: $72,000 in Boston, MA = $50,400 in Raleigh, NC
Chicago, IL vs Nashville, TN
-12.0% COLSalary equivalence: $62,000 in Chicago, IL = $54,537 in Nashville, TN
Washington, DC vs Charlotte, NC
-30.4% COLSalary equivalence: $74,000 in Washington, DC = $51,478 in Charlotte, NC
Miami, FL vs Atlanta, GA
-13.0% COLSalary equivalence: $52,000 in Miami, FL = $45,217 in Atlanta, GA
San Francisco, CA vs Austin, TX
-38.9% COLSalary equivalence: $92,000 in San Francisco, CA = $56,222 in Austin, TX
New York, NY vs Miami, FL
-33.3% COLSalary equivalence: $75,000 in New York, NY = $50,000 in Miami, FL
Toronto, ON vs Vancouver, BC
+5.2% COLSalary equivalence: $72,000 in Toronto, ON = $75,733 in Vancouver, BC
Toronto, ON vs Calgary, AB
-20.0% COLSalary equivalence: $72,000 in Toronto, ON = $57,600 in Calgary, AB
Vancouver, BC vs Calgary, AB
-23.9% COLSalary equivalence: $68,000 in Vancouver, BC = $51,718 in Calgary, AB
New York, NY vs Toronto, ON
-21.7% COLSalary equivalence: $75,000 in New York, NY = $58,695 in Toronto, ON
San Francisco, CA vs Vancouver, BC
-21.1% COLSalary equivalence: $92,000 in San Francisco, CA = $72,577 in Vancouver, BC
Los Angeles, CA vs Toronto, ON
-6.9% COLSalary equivalence: $68,000 in Los Angeles, CA = $63,310 in Toronto, ON
Seattle, WA vs Vancouver, BC
+5.2% COLSalary equivalence: $78,000 in Seattle, WA = $82,044 in Vancouver, BC
Chicago, IL vs Toronto, ON
+25.0% COLSalary equivalence: $62,000 in Chicago, IL = $77,500 in Toronto, ON
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the cost-of-living index calculated?
Our composite index weights housing (30%), groceries (15%), utilities (10%), transportation (15%), healthcare (10%), and miscellaneous goods/services (20%). The US national average is set to 100.
Does this include taxes?
We show approximate state/provincial income tax rates, but federal taxes, deductions, and credits vary significantly. Use the figure as a directional estimate, not a tax planning tool.
Is Canadian data comparable to US data?
Canadian metros are indexed on the same scale using OECD purchasing power parity adjustments and cross-border cost surveys. Currency is shown in USD for consistency; CAD figures use approximate exchange rates.
How often is the data updated?
Cost-of-living indices are refreshed quarterly using Census ACS data, CMHC rental reports (Canada), and regional economic indicators. Rent figures update monthly.