Cost of Living Calculator
Compare living costs between global cities — rent, salaries, and quality-of-life scores, side-by-side. Enter your budget to see what it would be worth in your target city.
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FAQHow is the affordability score calculated?
The affordability score (0–10, higher = more affordable) is a composite index that weights local rent prices, average net salaries, and consumer goods costs relative to each other. A score of 2.5 (San Francisco, Zurich) means your money goes far less than the global average; a score of 8.5 (Bangalore, Jakarta) means your money goes significantly further. It is designed for relative comparison, not as an absolute cost index.
What does the budget equivalent figure mean?
The budget equivalent tells you how much money you would need in City B to maintain the same standard of living as a given monthly budget in City A. It is calculated using the affordability score ratio: Target Budget = Your Budget × (City A Affordability ÷ City B Affordability). This is a rough indication — your actual experience depends heavily on lifestyle, neighbourhood, and whether you rent or own.
Why are all figures shown in USD?
All values are shown in USD to allow direct comparison across countries with different currencies. Salaries and rents are approximate USD equivalents based on prevailing exchange rates at the time of our last data review. If you are comparing cities in the same currency zone (e.g. two Eurozone cities), the comparison is straightforward. For other pairs, factor in that local purchasing power and taxes can significantly alter the real-world value.
How often is the data updated?
Our cost-of-living data is reviewed and updated periodically — the current dataset was last reviewed in April 2026. Rent markets and salary benchmarks change frequently, especially in high-growth cities. We recommend using this tool for directional guidance and cross-referencing with live rental listings and salary reports (e.g. Numbeo, Glassdoor, local government statistics) before making a relocation decision.
What do the quality-of-life scores mean?
Each quality-of-life category is scored 0–10 based on aggregated survey data, government indices, and third-party reports (e.g. Mercer, EIU, Numbeo). A score of 9–10 represents world-class performance in that category; 4–5 is average; below 4 is a notable weakness. Categories cover housing affordability, healthcare quality, environmental air/water quality, education systems, safety, nightlife, commute conditions, internet speeds, leisure options, economic strength, startup activity, travel connectivity, and natural outdoor amenities.
Should I factor in income tax when comparing cities?
Yes — and it can dramatically change the comparison. A $6,500/month gross salary in San Francisco might net $4,200 after federal and state taxes. The same gross in Zurich nets around $5,000 due to lower overall tax burden. The salary figures shown are approximate net (after-tax) monthly income based on median earners, but your personal tax rate will vary based on filing status, deductions, and specific canton or state rules. Always run country-specific tax calculations before accepting an offer.
Which cities offer the best value for tech and finance workers?
For technology workers, cities like Berlin, Lisbon, Warsaw, Taipei, and Seoul tend to offer strong salary-to-cost ratios — particularly for remote workers earning USD or EUR while living locally. Zurich and Singapore pay the highest absolute salaries in their respective regions but are also among the most expensive. For finance roles, London, New York, and Hong Kong pay premiums, but the net take-home after housing and taxes is often comparable to lower-cost alternatives.
Can I use this to plan a relocation or negotiate salary?
Yes — this is one of the most common use cases. Use the budget equivalent to understand what your current salary would be worth in a new city, and whether a proposed offer is competitive locally. When negotiating an international move, always benchmark against local market rates (not just a conversion of your home salary), and account for relocation costs, healthcare differences, pension contributions, and any cost-of-living allowances the employer may offer.