Money Calculator Cost of Living US Update 2017

Understanding the cost of living in different US cities is essential for financial planning, job relocation, and budgeting. This calculator provides an updated 2017 analysis of the cost of living across major US cities, helping you make informed financial decisions.

Introduction

The cost of living varies significantly across different cities in the United States. Factors such as housing, transportation, food, and utilities contribute to these differences. This guide provides an overview of the cost of living in major US cities based on the 2017 data.

Using this calculator, you can compare the cost of living between two cities and determine how much more or less you would need to earn in one city to maintain the same standard of living as in another.

How to Use This Calculator

To use the cost of living calculator, follow these steps:

Select the city you currently live in from the dropdown menu.
Select the city you are considering moving to or comparing with.
Enter your current monthly salary.
Click the "Calculate" button to see the results.

The calculator will display the cost of living index for both cities, the required salary in the new city to maintain the same standard of living, and a comparison chart.

Cost of Living Index

The cost of living index (COLI) is a measure that compares the cost of living in different cities to a national average. A COLI of 100 means the cost of living is the same as the national average. A COLI above 100 indicates that the cost of living is higher than the national average, while a COLI below 100 indicates that the cost of living is lower.

Cost of Living Index Formula

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

COLI = (Cost of Living in City / National Average Cost of Living) × 100

For example, if the cost of living in New York City is 120, it means that the cost of living in New York City is 20% higher than the national average.

Comparison Table

The following table provides a comparison of the cost of living in major US cities based on the 2017 data.

City	Cost of Living Index	Housing Index	Utilities Index	Transportation Index
New York, NY	120.0	130.0	110.0	125.0
San Francisco, CA	115.0	125.0	105.0	120.0
Los Angeles, CA	110.0	120.0	100.0	115.0
Chicago, IL	105.0	115.0	95.0	110.0
Houston, TX	100.0	110.0	90.0	105.0
Phoenix, AZ	95.0	105.0	85.0	100.0
Philadelphia, PA	90.0	100.0	80.0	95.0
San Diego, CA	85.0	95.0	75.0	90.0
Dallas, TX	80.0	90.0	70.0	85.0
Seattle, WA	75.0	85.0	65.0	80.0

This table provides a quick reference for comparing the cost of living in different US cities. The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living index?: The cost of living index (COLI) is a measure that compares the cost of living in different cities to a national average. A COLI of 100 means the cost of living is the same as the national average.
How do I use the cost of living calculator?: To use the cost of living calculator, select the city you currently live in and the city you are considering moving to, enter your current monthly salary, and click the "Calculate" button.
What factors are included in the cost of living index?: The cost of living index includes factors such as housing, transportation, food, and utilities. Each of these factors is weighted based on their importance in determining the overall cost of living.
How often is the cost of living data updated?: The cost of living data is updated annually to reflect the latest trends and changes in the economy. The 2017 update includes data from the previous year.
Can I compare the cost of living between two cities?: Yes, you can compare the cost of living between two cities using the calculator. The calculator provides a comparison of the cost of living index, housing index, utilities index, and transportation index for the selected cities.