Compare Income & Costs
Between Cities.
Model a salary scenario using simplified federal, payroll, state and limited local-tax assumptions, then subtract estimated living-cost categories. Results are not complete take-home pay, a personal budget or a forecast.
How the Income & Cost Scenario Works
When considering a relocation, Gross Salary is a misleading metric. A $100,000 salary in Austin, TX offers vastly different purchasing power than the same amount in New York City or San Francisco. The discrepancy isn't just "Cost of Living"—it is a complex interplay of progressive tax structures, local levies, and lifestyle-dependent costs.
Tax Jurisdiction Analysis
The model combines federal and payroll calculations with simplified state-rate proxies and limited local-tax rules:
- Federal & FICA: Modeled 2026 federal brackets and payroll-tax constants.
- State Income Tax: Simplified state-rate inputs; many states are represented by broad proxy rates.
- Local Municipal Taxes: Local logic is limited to NYC, Yonkers and a Maryland county estimate.
Lifestyle-Adjusted Cost of Living
Standard CPI baskets don't reflect your reality. A single renter spends differently than a homeowner with a family.
- Housing Arbitrage: We distinguish between Renting (Market Rent Index) vs Buying (Mortgage Interest + Property Tax).
- Consumption Profiles: "Frugal" vs "Luxury" toggles adjust weights for discretionary spending (Dining, Entertainment).
- Family Scaling: Household size multipliers affect Groceries and Utilities but not necessarily Housing.
Scenario limitations
Results change when salary, return, housing, household and lifestyle assumptions change.
The model excludes many credits, benefits, debt payments, childcare, healthcare, moving costs, property and sales taxes. The 4% withdrawal rule and investment return are illustrative assumptions—not planning advice or predicted returns.