Cost of Living Calculator: Compare Any Two States Side by Side
Select your current state and the state you are considering, enter your salary, and instantly see the equivalent purchasing power, per-category cost differences, and key statistics side by side. All data sourced from C2ER COLI Q1 2026.
Salary equivalent in Texas
$51,477
to maintain the same standard of living
Annual savings
+$28,523
per year at the same salary
Cost difference
35.7%
cheaper
Per-Category Comparison
Key Statistics
| Metric | California | Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Overall COLI | 142.2 | 91.5 |
| Median Home Price | $785,300 | $298,700 |
| Avg 2BR Rent | $2,120/mo | $1,320/mo |
| Median Household Income | $84,907 | $67,321 |
| Income Tax | 1-13.3% | 0% |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.71% | 1.6% |
| Sales Tax | 7.25% | 6.25% |
| Avg Electric Bill | $178/mo | $148/mo |
| Avg Grocery (monthly) | $421 | $374 |
Popular Comparisons
What the Calculator Does Not Tell You
This calculator is a starting point, not the final answer. Here are the key limitations to keep in mind when using state-level cost of living comparisons.
State averages hide city-level variation. California's 142.2 index is a weighted average. San Francisco would index well above 180, while Fresno sits closer to 110. Similarly, New York state at 126.5 includes both Manhattan (230+) and Buffalo (90). If you are comparing specific cities, the state average can be misleading.
Taxes are not included. The C2ER COLI excludes state and local taxes. Moving from California (13.3% top income tax) to Texas (0% income tax) creates real savings beyond what this calculator shows. Conversely, Texas has higher property taxes (1.60% vs CA's 0.71%). Visit our tax burden analysis for the full picture.
Quality of life varies. A lower cost of living often correlates with fewer amenities, less public transportation, lower education rankings, and fewer cultural opportunities. The calculator measures cost but not value.
Your spending pattern matters. If you spend 50% of your income on housing, the housing sub-index matters far more to you than someone who rents a modest apartment and spends more on travel and dining. The category breakdown above helps you weigh the factors most relevant to your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the cost of living calculator work?
The calculator uses C2ER Cost of Living Index data for all 50 states. It compares the overall index and six sub-categories between your current state and target state, then adjusts your salary proportionally. If you earn $80,000 in California (index 142.2) and move to Texas (index 91.5), the calculator shows you'd need only $51,500 to maintain the same standard of living.
Does the calculator include taxes?
The standard COLI-based calculation does not include state taxes. This is important because states like Texas have no income tax but higher property taxes. For the full picture including taxes, visit our tax burden page after using the calculator.
How accurate is a state-level comparison?
State-level comparisons are useful for initial planning but have limitations. Costs vary significantly within states -- San Francisco is much more expensive than Bakersfield, both in California. For the most accurate estimate, compare specific metro areas rather than state averages.
What is the most popular state-to-state comparison?
The most common comparisons are California to Texas, New York to Florida, and New Jersey to North Carolina. These reflect the major domestic migration patterns in the US, driven by remote work flexibility and housing affordability.