Salary Comparison Calculator
Compare how far your salary goes in different US cities with cost of living adjustments.
Compare Salaries
Equivalent Salary in Austin, TX
$61,552
Austin, TX is 27.6% cheaper
After State Tax (NY)
$60,435
After State Tax (TX)
$69,700
Cost of Living Index (100 = National Average)
State Tax Comparison
Disclaimer
- Cost of living indices are approximations based on national data.
- Individual spending patterns vary — housing costs have the biggest impact.
- State tax rates shown are top marginal rates (simplified).
- Does not account for local taxes, property taxes, or sales tax differences.
Why Cost of Living Matters More Than Salary
A $100,000 salary in San Francisco has roughly the same purchasing power as $65,000 in Houston. Housing alone can account for 30-50% of the cost-of-living difference between cities. When evaluating a job offer in a new city, the raw salary number is less important than what you can actually buy with it.
Biggest Cost Drivers by City
| City | COL Index | $100K Equivalent | State Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | 150 | $150,000 | 13.3% |
| New York City | 145 | $145,000 | 10.9% |
| Boston | 140 | $140,000 | 5.0% |
| National Average | 100 | $100,000 | ~5% |
| Houston | 92 | $92,000 | 0% |
| Detroit | 85 | $85,000 | 4.25% |
The State Tax Factor
Nine states have no income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. Moving from California (13.3% top rate) to Texas saves up to $13,300 per $100K of income. However, no-income-tax states often compensate with higher property taxes or sales taxes.
Remote Work and Geographic Arbitrage
Remote work has created a new paradigm: earn a high-cost-city salary while living in a lower-cost area. Some companies adjust salaries based on location (10-20% reduction for moving to a cheaper city), while others maintain flat pay regardless of location. Even with a 10% pay cut, moving from NYC to Nashville can dramatically increase your effective income.
BLS — Regional Economic Data→Frequently Asked Questions
What salary do I need to live comfortably?
"Comfortable" typically means spending no more than 30% of gross income on housing, having money for savings, and handling emergencies. In San Francisco, that's roughly $120K+ for a single person. In the Midwest, $50-60K can provide a similar lifestyle.
Should I negotiate a higher salary for high-cost cities?
If relocating to a more expensive city, use cost-of-living data to justify your salary request. Show the employer that $80K in Austin is equivalent to $120K in San Francisco. Most employers recognize location-based pay differences.
Is $100K a good salary?
It depends entirely on where you live. $100K in San Francisco is below the median household income. In Louisville, Kentucky, it puts you well above average with significant purchasing power. Always evaluate salary relative to local costs.
Want to see your exact take-home pay? Use our Paycheck Calculator to factor in taxes, deductions, and benefits.