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Free online cost of living calculator to compare expenses between US cities for housing, food, and taxes. See how far your salary goes in any location.
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Calculate the total direct annual cash compensation including bonuses, commissions, and non-discretionary stipends.
Total Cash Compensation = Base Salary + Projected BonusSubtract employer health premium contributions and add 401(k) matching and equity vesting valuations to the baseline.
Net Benefits Value = 401k Employer Match + Equity Vesting - Employee Health PremiumsSubtracts direct transit/fuel costs and scales the net package by local cost of living indexes to find true purchasing power.
Adjusted Compensation = (Total Cash + Net Benefits - Commute Cost) ÷ Cost of Living Index ratioUpdated: July 2026
Offer A offers $100K with low benefits; Offer B offers $90K but includes a 6% 401k match, 100% health premium coverage, and a remote option.
→ Offer B is equivalent to ~$99,400 value, narrowing the gap to just $600 with less stress
Comparing a $120,000 job in Austin, TX (no state income tax) vs a $150,000 job in San Francisco, CA (high cost of living and tax).
→ Adjusted Austin value: $120,000; SF value in Austin purchasing power: ~$103,450; Austin wins
Comparing a steady $85,000 corporate salary vs an independent contractor hourly rate of $60/hour with zero paid leave.
→ Contractor gross is $120,000, but net of taxes, self-funded health, and leave is ~$92,000
When evaluating job offers, comparing gross base salaries is not enough. This calculator performs a comprehensive assessment of two job offers, incorporating bonuses, medical premiums, retirement matching, commutes, cost of living, and tax differences.