Why Cost of Living Calculators Matter
When you're considering a move to a new city, your salary number alone doesn't tell the whole story. A $120,000 salary in San Francisco might leave you with less money than $90,000 in Austin—once you factor in taxes, rent, and daily expenses.
That's where cost of living calculators come in. They help you compare what your money is actually worth in different locations.
What to Look for in a Good Calculator
Not all cost of living calculators are created equal. Here's what separates the useful ones from the misleading:
1. Tax Calculations
The best calculators factor in both federal and state income tax. This is huge—moving from California (13.3% top rate) to Texas (0%) can save you thousands annually.2. Housing Data
Look for calculators that use actual median rent data, not estimates. Rent is typically your biggest expense, so accuracy here matters most.3. Your Actual Salary
Generic "20% cheaper" comparisons are nearly useless. You need calculations based on YOUR specific income level.Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Only looking at rent Rent matters, but so do taxes. A city with slightly higher rent but no state income tax might leave you better off overall.
Mistake #2: Using outdated data Cost of living changes fast. Make sure your calculator uses recent data (2024 or newer).
Mistake #3: Ignoring your lifestyle A calculator can show you averages, but your actual costs depend on your choices. Do you need a car? Do you eat out often?
How to Use Realocation
Our calculator focuses on the numbers that matter most:
1. Enter your current salary — We use this for accurate tax calculations 2. Select your current city — This is your baseline for comparison 3. Review your results — See exactly how much more (or less) you'd have in each city
We show you your monthly surplus—the money left after taxes and rent—for every city. This is the number that actually matters for your quality of life.
The Bottom Line
A good cost of living calculator should give you clarity, not confusion. Look for one that uses real tax brackets, current rent data, and shows you actual dollar amounts—not vague percentages.
That's exactly why we built Realocation. Try it free and see for yourself.