Market Data
Cost of living, compared.
A working guide to comparing cost of living across US metros — taxes, housing, transportation, and the full carrying cost most relocation calculators miss. Connect with relocation specialists who model true after-tax cost.
Compare relocation guides →01
Cost components: housing, taxes, transportation, utilities, healthcare, childcare.
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No-income-tax state math: TX, FL, TN, NV, WA — and where property tax offsets the win.
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Indices to trust: BEA RPP, C2ER, Council for Community and Economic Research.
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Carrying-cost modeling: PITI + insurance + HOA + maintenance reserve.
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Frequently asked questions
- What goes into 'cost of living' for a city?
- Housing (rent or PITI), state and local taxes, transportation, groceries, utilities, healthcare, and childcare. Housing typically drives 30-50% of total cost, which is why metro choice matters more than discretionary line items.
- How do no-income-tax states actually compare?
- TX, FL, TN, NV, WA have no state income tax — but Texas property tax (2-3%) and Washington sales tax often offset the savings. Florida and Tennessee tend to net out the most favorable for high earners. Always model the full tax picture, not just the headline.
- Which cost-of-living indices should I trust?
- BEA Regional Price Parities (academic standard), C2ER Cost of Living Index (quarterly, 270+ metros), Numbeo (crowdsourced, useful for international), and Council for Community and Economic Research. Cross-check rather than rely on any single source.
- Why does cost of living matter for real estate decisions?
- It determines how much house your income can support, what rent-vs-buy looks like, and which submarkets stay affordable as you scale. A buyer agent who models full carrying cost — not just mortgage — protects you from payment shock.