Cost of Living Calculator

See how the cost of living compares to the national average

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What is cost of living?

Cost of living is the amount of money needed to cover basic expenses in order to live in a given area. This generally includes housing, utilities, transportation, healthcare and food costs. Other miscellaneous costs, such as movie tickets or entertainment, are also considered.

Disclaimer: This calculator is intended for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for personalized advice from a financial professional.

What categories are included in the cost of living calculator?

Housing: The largest expense for most Americans is housing, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2021 report. The main costs are monthly mortgage or rental payments, but you may also want to consider maintenance or renovation costs as a part of your monthly housing costs.

Groceries: The cost of groceries include produce, dry goods, and other essential household items like shampoo and toothpaste. Depending on the size of your household and preferred products, the average cost of groceries per month will vary.

Utilities: Utilities are a consistent monthly expense to consider when building your budget. Depending on your living situation and location, the average cost of utilities will vary. Typical utility costs include internet, electricity, water, sewer, and gas. Depending on where you live and the services provided, you may also want to consider garbage, recycling, and yard waste pickup as part of your utility cost.

Transportation: The cost of transportation is something to consider when deciding where to live. Choosing public transit when available will lower these costs, however, public transit may not be readily available in your area. Typical transportation costs include the price of gasoline and regular vehicle maintenance.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs typically consist of expenses like medical prescriptions, doctor visits, and other health related services. Healthcare costs will vary greatly by person and depend on your personal health, the type of health insurance you have and associated premiums, and even by location.

Lifestyle: Lifestyle expenses include costs beyond necessities like food and housing. Expenses in this category give you a chance to compare the price of non-essentials, like a yoga class, haircut, or your morning latte, among others.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cost of living index?

A cost of living index tracks the prices for commonly purchased items in both cities and metro areas, then determines their average price. These items range from specific groceries, like a loaf of bread, to larger expenses, like monthly rent or mortgage payments. Data on average wages and compensation for an area is also collected. These datasets are then combined to allow you to compare overall living costs between locations, or with the national average.

What is a cost of living calculator?

The cost of living calculator is best used to understand the average cost of living in an area. You can parse out the expense categories that contribute most to the overall cost, or you can directly compare the cost of living in one city with another. You can also explore how much income you need to maintain your current living standards if you were to move to a new location.

Where does the data come from?

The cost of living data used in Redfin’s calculator is sourced from The Cost of Living Index (COLI) from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). Published since 1968, COLI data is recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor Statistics. C2ER’s data collection methodologies and quarterly publications are reviewed by an independent Advisory Board. Housing data is based on Redfin.com calculations of home data from MLS and/or public records.

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