Cost of Living Calculator
Compare salaries between states with the MERIC cost-of-living index: the salary in state B that buys what your salary buys in state A.
MERIC cost-of-living index by state (2026 Q2) last updated · reference source
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Currency: Amounts are calculated in the currency you select; this site does not convert between currencies and does not use live exchange rates.
Dated static reference; no live data is fetched. Verify current source values and assumptions before relying on results.
What this tool does
Converts a salary between states using the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC) cost-of-living index, built from the C2ER price survey: groceries, housing, utilities, transportation, health and miscellaneous goods in participating cities, averaged by state, with the US at 100. If your salary buys a standard of living in a low-index state, this shows the nominal salary that buys the same in a higher- or lower-index state.
How to use the Cost of Living Calculator
- Enter your figures in the fields above.
- Check the filing status, state and pay-frequency selections — they change the tables used.
- Read the headline result first, then the breakdown: it shows exactly which tax or amount produced each line.
- Change any input to compare scenarios; the result updates with the same dated tables shown on this page.
Formula
equivalent salary = salary × (destination index ÷ origin index)
- index
- Composite cost-of-living index, US average = 100; housing is the biggest driver between states
Worked example
An $80,000 salary in Texas (index 90.8) needs about $123,612 in California (index 140.3) to hold the same purchasing power on state averages.
Inputs
- Current salary80000
- Moving fromTexas — index 90.8
- Moving toCalifornia — index 140.3
Result
- Equivalent salary in California$123,612.33
- Cost difference54.52%
- Extra salary needed (or saved)$43,612.33
- Texas index90.8
- California index140.3
MERIC cost-of-living index, 2026 Q2 (selected states)
| State | Index | State | Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma | 83 | Florida | 100.8 |
| Mississippi | 87.4 | New York | 132.6 |
| Texas | 90.8 | California | 140.3 |
| Illinois | 94.5 | Massachusetts | 148.1 |
| US average | 100 | Hawaii | 185.8 |
Results explained
- Equivalent salary
- The destination-state salary with the same purchasing power as your entered salary at home-state prices.
- Cost difference
- Percentage gap between the two state indexes.
Frequently asked questions
Oklahoma, at 83.0 in MERIC's 2026 Q2 data — about 17% below the national average. Hawaii is highest at 185.8, driven by housing.
State figures average participating metro areas. Within-state gaps are huge: New York City runs far above upstate, and San Francisco above inland California. Use the state figure for a first pass, then compare rents directly.
No — the C2ER basket is prices only. State income tax can move the real answer by several points; run the destination salary through the Paycheck Calculator for that half of the picture.
It is the break-even for an identical basket. Many movers accept less because they substitute — smaller housing, different transport. Treat the figure as the anchor for negotiation, not a floor.
Quarterly, from the C2ER survey. This page uses the 2026 Q2 table published by MERIC; housing moves fastest, so recheck before signing a lease.