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Two-City Cost Comparison
Enter the same four categories for both cities. The comparison is only as good as the inputs, but it removes the mismatch of comparing published averages built on different assumptions.
A positive difference means City B costs more. Compare like with like: same housing standard, same eating pattern, same transport mode.
Same lifestyle, two prices
Published comparisons often mix a local household with an expat household, or a studio with a two-bedroom flat. The result is a ranking that does not describe either city for you. Enter the same category definition for both cities and the comparison becomes a like-for-like estimate.
Rent dominates the difference in most pairs. If the rent inputs describe different housing standards, fix that first; otherwise the rest of the comparison is measuring the apartments, not the cities.
Turn the monthly difference into a decision
The annual figure is the one that matters for a one-year plan. A 200 monthly difference is 2,400 a year, which may be more than a flight, a visa or a deposit. Put the annual difference next to the one-time costs of the move before choosing on cost alone.
Cheaper is not automatically better: income, visa terms, healthcare and transport networks are separate lines that this calculator does not price.
Frequently asked questions
Why only four categories?
Rent, food, transport and other cover most of the variation and keep the comparison honest. More categories add detail but also add places to hide inconsistent assumptions.
Which city should be A?
Use the city you are leaving as A. Then a positive difference means the destination costs more, which is the direction people usually care about.
Does it include taxes?
No. Income tax, social contributions and healthcare are not in these categories. They can change the ranking, especially between countries with very different tax systems.
How do I handle currency?
Convert both cities to one currency at the rate you expect to live with. The percentage difference is unaffected by the choice of currency; the absolute figures are.