<p>D is just starting to interview for jobs w/graduation in May. Wondering if there is some tool/resource out there regarding city “affordability”. Some handy dandy thing that would show typical cost of living, housing (apt) prices for the city - that sort of thing.</p>
<p>Making let’s say $40,000 in one city can be more/less $$$ actually “available” in different cities due to costs.</p>
<p>Google cost of living calculator.</p>
<p>Good deal. Don’t know if I’ve ever heard of that.</p>
<p>Here’s one: [Cost</a> of Living comparison calculator](<a href=“http://www.bankrate.com/calculators/savings/moving-cost-of-living-calculator.aspx]Cost”>Cost of Living Calculator - Cost of Living Comparison Index Tool | Bankrate)</p>
<p>I’m not sure if this is the site DS used
[Cost</a> of Living Wizard | Salary.com](<a href=“http://swz.salary.com/costoflivingwizard/layoutscripts/coll_start.aspx]Cost”>http://swz.salary.com/costoflivingwizard/layoutscripts/coll_start.aspx)</p>
<p>But the company he went to work for just after college in 2009 gave him a choice of two cities. He used a site similar to the above to estimate “how far his salary dollar would go.” Also looked at state/city/county tax rates - there were substantial differences in his case. One of his choices had an extra 4% city income tax; another had a higher county tax rate. If a kid is going to earn $60K… we’re talking real money on some of these taxes, right off the top.</p>
<p>Some of the cost of living comparisons need to be looked at in terms of personal choices - one person might not make the same choices re expenditurs on wardrobe, entertainment etc. But income taxes come right off the top, regardless of how you choose to budget.</p>