2019 Best Cost of Living Calculator

Determine which city offers the best balance between cost of living and quality of life in 2019 using our comprehensive cost of living calculator. This tool helps you compare cities based on key living expenses, making it easier to find the most affordable yet comfortable place to live.

How to Use This Calculator

Using our 2019 Best Cost of Living Calculator is straightforward. Follow these steps to get accurate results:

Enter your monthly expenses for each category (rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, etc.)
Select the city you're comparing from the dropdown menu
Click "Calculate" to see your cost of living index
Compare the results with other cities to find the best value

Note: The calculator uses 2019 data. For current comparisons, check our updated cost of living calculators.

Understanding the Cost of Living Index

The cost of living index is a numerical representation of how expensive a city is compared to a baseline city (usually a major US city like New York). A lower index means lower living costs, while a higher index indicates higher expenses.

Key factors considered in the index include:

Housing costs (rent, mortgage, property taxes)
Utilities (electricity, water, gas)
Groceries and dining out
Transportation (public transit, car maintenance)
Healthcare and education costs

Cost of Living Index Formula:

COLI = (Total Monthly Expenses / Baseline City Monthly Expenses) × 100

Where COLI is the Cost of Living Index, and the baseline city is typically New York City in 2019.

2019 Cost of Living Comparison

Here's a comparison of the cost of living index for several major cities in 2019:

City	Cost of Living Index	Relative Cost
New York, NY	100	Baseline
San Francisco, CA	180	80% more expensive
Chicago, IL	85	15% less expensive
Austin, TX	95	5% less expensive
Seattle, WA	120	20% more expensive

This table shows that while New York serves as the baseline, other cities offer varying degrees of affordability. For example, Austin was 5% less expensive than New York in 2019, while San Francisco was significantly more costly.

How the Calculation Works

The cost of living index is calculated by comparing your total monthly expenses to the average monthly expenses in a baseline city (New York in 2019). The formula used is:

Cost of Living Index Formula:

COLI = (Your Total Monthly Expenses / Baseline City Monthly Expenses) × 100

Where COLI is the Cost of Living Index, and the baseline city is typically New York City in 2019.

For example, if your total monthly expenses are $3,000 and the baseline city's average monthly expenses are $4,000, your cost of living index would be:

COLI = ($3,000 / $4,000) × 100 = 75

This means your living costs are 75% of the baseline city's costs, making your city 25% less expensive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the baseline city for the cost of living index?: The baseline city is typically New York City, as it's a major economic hub with relatively high living costs. However, the calculator allows you to compare against any city you choose.
How often is the cost of living data updated?: The cost of living data is updated annually to reflect current economic conditions. For the most recent comparisons, check our updated cost of living calculators.
Can I use this calculator for international cities?: Yes, the calculator can compare cities worldwide. Simply enter the monthly expenses for the city you're interested in and the calculator will provide a relative cost comparison.
What factors are considered in the cost of living index?: The cost of living index considers housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and education costs. Each category is weighted based on its importance to overall living expenses.
How accurate are the cost of living comparisons?: The comparisons are based on publicly available data and economic reports. While the calculator provides a good estimate, actual living costs may vary based on individual circumstances.