Compare My CityFrequently Asked Questions
What is a cost-of-living index?
It is a number showing how expensive a place is compared with the national average, which is set at 100. A city at 112 is about 12% pricier than the US average; a city at 90 is about 10% cheaper.
Where does the data come from?
The US Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parities, an official federal dataset that measures local price levels across US metro areas.
How is the estimated salary equivalent calculated?
It scales your salary by the ratio of the two cities' price levels (salary × rppB / rppA). A $100,000 salary in a city with index 100 has approximately the same purchasing power as $112,000 in a city with index 112. This is an estimate, before tax, and does not account for individual spending habits, household size, taxes, childcare, healthcare, transport choices or personal housing circumstances.
How often is the data updated?
BEA publishes new figures about once a year, usually in December, for the prior year. The site currently reflects 2024 data.
Does this include taxes or salaries?
No. The index measures prices for goods, services, and housing, not income or tax differences. Treat it as a cost-of-living guide, not financial advice.
Is Compare My City free?
Yes, completely free to use.