How is cost of living measured?

The calculator uses an index where 100 represents the U.S. national average across housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. A city scoring 146 (San Diego) costs 46% more than the national average; one scoring 82 (Fayetteville NC) costs 18% less. Indices come from major data providers updated annually.

Why is housing usually the biggest difference between cities?

Housing typically drives 60-80% of total cost-of-living variance between cities. Groceries, utilities, and transportation tend to vary by 10-20% between metros, but housing can vary by 200-300% (compare Fayetteville $850/mo 1BR vs San Diego $2,200/mo). For PCS planning, focus on housing first.

Does this account for BAH?

No — this calculator compares civilian cost of living. For active-duty PCS planning, use the DoD BAH calculator at defensetravel.dod.mil to see your specific housing allowance by ZIP. BAH is designed to track housing costs, so duty-station moves are partially neutralized for active duty.

What about state taxes?

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax are NOT in the cost-of-living index. For tax-aware comparisons, use our State Benefits Compare tool (linked from the calculator). Combining cost of living + state tax treatment gives the full picture for transition decisions.

Cost of Living Compare

Compare military-friendly cities across housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. See the equivalent salary needed in each.

What you can compare

Duty stations — San Diego, Norfolk, Fayetteville, Killeen, Colorado Springs, plus most major bases.
Veteran-popular metros — Tampa, Phoenix, Dallas, Atlanta, plus state capitals.
Equivalent-salary math — see exactly how much you'd need in each city to break even on lifestyle.
Sub-indices — housing dominates most COL differences. The breakout shows where your money actually goes.

Open the Calculator

Free, no sign-up required. Pick two cities, enter your salary, see the breakdown — and email yourself a copy.

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