Our calculator uses aggregated data from credible sources such as:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
U.S. Census Housing Surveys
Numbeo Global Price Index
Local market rent and housing price feeds
Energy, food, transportation, and healthcare cost databases
These sources are updated regularly to reflect real-time changes in inflation, wages, and economic conditions.
How we calculate cost of living
Cost of living represents the amount of money needed to maintain a particular lifestyle in a specific area.
Our model considers:
Housing
Transportation
Food & groceries
Healthcare
Utilities
Taxes
Miscellaneous expenses
Each category is weighted based on average U.S. household spending patterns.
How inflation affects cost of living
Inflation increases the prices of everyday goods and services. This can impact:
Rent & home prices
Gas & electricity
Groceries
Insurance
Healthcare
Transportation
Even small monthly increases add up over time—our calculator adjusts for inflation trends to ensure estimates remain accurate.
Grocery Price Trends in 2025
What happened to grocery prices this year? Here are year-over-year changes for common grocery items:
Milk
Bread
Eggs
Rice
Fresh produce
Meat & poultry
Snack foods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cost of living index?
A cost of living index measures the relative expense of living in one location compared to another. A score above 100 means the city is more expensive than average; below 100 means it’s more affordable.
Does cost of living include taxes?
Yes. Taxes are factored based on typical state and local tax rates.
Is this calculator accurate?
Our figures are estimates based on aggregated market data. Actual costs vary by individual lifestyle choices.
Does this include rent or mortgage?
Yes — housing costs are a major part of the calculation.
