🌆 Pay vs. Cost of Living
A higher rate in an expensive city can leave you with less than a lower rate somewhere cheaper. See real take-home and money left after essentials, side by side.
Quick answer: a higher headline wage in an expensive city doesn't always mean more real purchasing power once local taxes, rent, and cost of living are accounted for. Compare two specific jobs below to see actual money left over each month, not just the pay rate.
Job A
Job B
Typical monthly essentials
Scaled per city using the cost-of-living index below.
Utilities, transportation, food, insurance — assumed similar in both cities.
Pay vs. cost of livingMonthly
Choose two cities and pay rates to see where your money actually goes further.