Salary equivalency calculator by state.
Same work. A new place. What salary keeps your buying power? Use this salary equivalency calculator to compare two states and put your next job offer in context.
How much salary do I need in another state?
For a price-only starting point, multiply your current gross salary by the destination state’s price index, then divide by your current state’s index. Next, compare taxes, benefits and local housing separately. Use the result as one part of your moving decision.
Use the salary equivalency calculator
- Choose two states. Start with where you live now and where you plan to move.
- Add annual gross pay. Next, enter your income before taxes and deductions.
- Check an offer. If you have a destination offer, add it to see the gap.
Inputs are saved in this browser after calculation. They do not sync across devices. No email or account number is requested.
What is $80,000 in New Jersey worth in Texas?
Using this tool’s BEA 2024 indexes, the price-only equivalent is about:
About $5,947 per month before deductions. This is an example, not a salary offer.
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Current annual gross salary | $80,000 |
| New Jersey price index | 108.805 |
| Texas price index | 97.057 |
| Example destination offer | $75,000 |
$80,000 × 97.057 ÷ 108.805 = $71,362, rounded.
A $75,000 offer is about $3,638 above this price-adjusted target. However, that gap is not extra take-home cash. Taxes, benefit costs and your own spending can change the outcome.
Try the example in the calculator ↑Compare a job offer with the life it needs to support
A cost-of-living salary comparison answers one question: how does broad buying power change? Before accepting a relocation offer, also gather these four sets of numbers.
01. Take-home pay
Start with gross pay, then estimate taxes and payroll deductions separately. Also check employee health premiums and retirement contributions. For federal withholding information, see the IRS withholding guide.
Compare your state tax assumptions →02. Local housing
Next, compare homes you could actually rent or buy. Add insurance, utilities, commuting and fees. A state average cannot price a specific neighborhood or the space your household needs.
Work through rent versus buy →03. Benefits and work
Compare paid leave, health coverage, retirement match and work hours. Separate guaranteed pay from bonuses or stock. Then review pay for the same occupation in each state.
Explore state and occupation comparisons →04. The first-year cost
Finally, include moving, deposits, travel and any gap between paychecks. A lower monthly cost may take time to repay the move. Keep refundable deposits separate from expenses.
Build your first-year moving budget →How the salary equivalency calculator works
Equivalent salary = current gross income × destination price index ÷ current price index.
OSG uses the Bureau of Economic Analysis all-items Regional Price Parity index. The national price level is 100. For example, an index of 90 represents a price level 10% below that national reference.
First, the tool divides the destination index by the origin index. It then applies that ratio to your income. Moving from an index of 100 to 110 makes $80,000 equivalent to $88,000 on price levels alone.
These are published annual price measures, not live 2026 prices. The site dataset was updated September 18, 2026. OSG covers 50 states in this tool.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities. Read the 2024 data release for its scope and release notes.
What the result does not include
The result excludes income taxes, payroll deductions, benefits and moving costs. It does not predict a particular city’s prices or an employer’s pay offer. Your housing choice and spending mix may differ from the state average.
Use the all-state cost-of-living ranking for broad context. Then use actual quotes and take-home estimates in your household budget.
Model version 1.0 · Page reviewed October 5, 2026. Inputs stay in this browser after calculation and do not sync across devices. Normal website analytics are separate. Report a correction.
Salary comparison questions
Should I enter gross salary or take-home pay?
Enter annual gross pay before taxes and payroll deductions. This calculator compares price levels using gross income. Work out take-home pay separately before deciding what you can afford.
Is salary equivalency the same as a cost-of-living calculator?
It is one use of a cost-of-living comparison: converting your salary with the ratio of two state price indexes. A personal cost-of-living budget goes further by using your rent, bills and spending.
Can I use the result to compare or negotiate a job offer?
Yes, as one reference point. Add the offered salary to see how it compares with the price-adjusted target. Also consider occupation-specific pay, experience, benefits and the employer’s requirements.
Will a lower salary leave me better off after moving?
It may, but the index alone cannot decide that. Compare take-home income against your expected local spending. Then include moving costs and any lost income in the first year.
Does this calculator compare cities or neighborhoods?
No. It compares state price levels. Housing and daily costs can vary within a state, so check the city and neighborhood where you plan to live.
Why does a calculator reviewed in 2026 use 2024 data?
The BEA release dated February 19, 2026 covers 2024 regional price parities. Annual government statistics have a publication lag. The data year and release date are shown so you can judge the result’s context.
Turn the comparison into a moving plan.
Planning information only, not tax, legal or financial advice. Check the relevant agency or provider before acting. Report a correction