Cost of Living ComparisonCalculator for US Cities

A cost of living index measures the relative price levels across different geographic areas. CostWise uses the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (RPP), which compare price levels in each metro area to the national average of 100. An index of 110 means prices are 10% above the national average, while 90 means 10% below. This accounts for housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare costs.

The cost of living in Arizona varies by city. Phoenix has a cost index close to the national average (around 100), making it relatively affordable compared to coastal cities. Tucson is even more affordable. Average cost of living in Arizona for a single person ranges from $2,500–$3,500/month depending on the city, which is below the US average.

Your salary should adjust proportionally to the cost of living difference. For example, if you earn $100,000 in a city with an index of 100 and move to a city with an index of 120, you'd need roughly $120,000. Our salary calculator accounts for housing costs, state taxes, groceries, utilities, and transportation to give you a precise figure — helpful when comparing wages vs cost of living.

Based on our data, the most affordable major US cities include Oklahoma City, Memphis, Wichita, El Paso, and Indianapolis. These cities have cost of living indices 10–15% below the national average, with particularly low housing costs. Several also benefit from no state income tax, making them the cheapest cities to live in America.

The cost of living in Las Vegas is close to the national average, with a cost index around 100. Average cost of living in Las Vegas runs roughly $2,800–$3,500/month for a single person. Housing is more affordable than coastal California cities, and Nevada has no state income tax, making it an attractive option for relocators from high-tax states.

State income tax can significantly impact your take-home pay. States like Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Nevada, and Washington have no state income tax, while California charges up to 13.3% and New York up to 10.9%. Moving from California to Texas on a $100,000 salary could save you over $10,000 per year in state taxes alone.

CostWise aggregates data from four official US government sources: the Bureau of Economic Analysis (Regional Price Parities), US Census Bureau (American Community Survey 5-year estimates for income, rent, and home values), HUD Fair Market Rents, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (unemployment rates and Consumer Price Index sub-components for groceries, utilities, and transportation). Data is updated annually.

Wages vs cost of living has been a growing concern. While the national average household income has risen to around $75,000, housing costs have grown faster — especially in cities like San Francisco, New York, and the Bay Area. Our tools help you understand whether your salary keeps pace with local prices by comparing cost of living vs income in real time.