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Cost of Living Calculator 2005 to 2018

Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team

This cost of living calculator compares the purchasing power of a fixed amount of money between 2005 and 2018, adjusted for inflation. You can use it to estimate how much your salary or expenses would be worth in a different year, or to compare living costs between cities or countries.

How to Use This Calculator

To calculate the cost of living adjustment between 2005 and 2018:

  1. Enter the amount of money you want to compare in the "Amount in 2005" field.
  2. Select the year you want to compare to (2006-2018) from the dropdown menu.
  3. Click "Calculate" to see the adjusted amount.

The calculator uses the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the United States to adjust for inflation. The CPI measures changes in the price of a basket of goods and services, allowing us to compare the purchasing power of money over time.

Formula Used

The cost of living adjustment is calculated using the following formula:

Adjusted Amount = (Amount in 2005 × CPI for Target Year) ÷ CPI for 2005

Where:

  • Amount in 2005 is the original amount of money
  • CPI for Target Year is the Consumer Price Index for the year you want to compare to
  • CPI for 2005 is the Consumer Price Index for 2005 (196.7)

The CPI values used in this calculator are based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics' annual CPI-U data for all urban consumers.

Worked Example

Let's say you earned $30,000 in 2005. How much would that be worth in 2018, adjusted for inflation?

  1. Enter $30,000 in the "Amount in 2005" field.
  2. Select 2018 from the dropdown menu.
  3. Click "Calculate".

The calculator will show you that $30,000 in 2005 would be equivalent to approximately $37,500 in 2018, adjusted for inflation.

Note: This is an estimate based on national average CPI data. Actual purchasing power may vary depending on your location and specific expenses.

Interpreting Results

The adjusted amount represents how much your money would buy in the target year, accounting for inflation. Here's what the results mean:

  • If the adjusted amount is higher than the original amount, it means your money buys more in the target year.
  • If the adjusted amount is lower, it means your money buys less in the target year.
  • A higher percentage increase indicates stronger inflation in the target year.

Use these results to:

  • Compare salaries or expenses between years
  • Plan for future living costs
  • Adjust budgets for inflation
  • Understand the real value of money over time

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Consumer Price Index (CPI)?
The CPI measures changes in the price of a basket of goods and services, allowing us to compare the purchasing power of money over time.
Why is the CPI important for cost of living calculations?
The CPI helps adjust for inflation, showing how much more (or less) your money buys over time.
Can I use this calculator for other countries?
This calculator uses US CPI data. For other countries, you would need to use that country's specific CPI data.
How often is the CPI updated?
The CPI is updated monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with annual averages used for this calculator.
What if I want to compare costs between specific cities?
This calculator uses national average CPI data. For city-specific comparisons, you would need to use that city's CPI data.