Frequently Asked Questions
How do I compare two job offers?
Compare net take-home pay after taxes, subtract commute costs, and factor in cost of living differences. A higher salary in an expensive city may net less than a lower salary elsewhere. This calculator does all of that math automatically.
How much is commuting worth in dollars?
Commuting costs include fuel or transit plus the value of your time. This calculator uses $20/hr as a conservative time value. A 30-minute each-way commute 5 days a week (about 15 miles at the calculator's assumed 30 mph) costs roughly $5,200/year in time alone at $20/hour — not counting fuel or parking.
Should I take a lower salary for a remote job?
Often yes. Remote eliminates commute costs and time, and may let you live somewhere cheaper. Use this calculator to find the break-even point — how much lower can the remote salary be and still beat the commute job in real value?
How does cost of living affect salary comparison?
Compare your actual housing, commuting and benefit costs. Affordability and take-home pay depend on household needs, filing status, deductions, and state and local rules. The calculator uses the simplified assumptions shown below; it does not establish an exact city-specific salary benchmark.
What is a good way to use this to negotiate salary?
Calculate your minimum acceptable net value, then work backwards to the gross salary you'd need. If Job B comes in below that, you have a clear, numbers-based reason to counter-offer or decline.
Is a $100,000 salary good in California?
Compare your actual housing, commuting and benefit costs. Affordability and take-home pay depend on household needs, filing status, deductions, and state and local rules. The calculator uses the simplified assumptions shown below; it does not establish an exact city-specific salary benchmark.
Is a $80,000 salary good in Texas?
Compare your actual housing, commuting and benefit costs. Affordability and take-home pay depend on household needs, filing status, deductions, and state and local rules. The calculator uses the simplified assumptions shown below; it does not establish an exact city-specific salary benchmark.
How far does a $90,000 salary go in Florida?
Compare your actual housing, commuting and benefit costs. Affordability and take-home pay depend on household needs, filing status, deductions, and state and local rules. The calculator uses the simplified assumptions shown below; it does not establish an exact city-specific salary benchmark.
Is $120,000 a good salary in New York City?
Compare your actual housing, commuting and benefit costs. Affordability and take-home pay depend on household needs, filing status, deductions, and state and local rules. The calculator uses the simplified assumptions shown below; it does not establish an exact city-specific salary benchmark.
How does a $75,000 salary compare between Chicago and Austin?
Compare your actual housing, commuting and benefit costs. Affordability and take-home pay depend on household needs, filing status, deductions, and state and local rules. The calculator uses the simplified assumptions shown below; it does not establish an exact city-specific salary benchmark.
