Cost of Living Calculator & Monthly Budget Estimator
Estimate your monthly budget in any city worldwide based on your lifestyle, household size, and income. Powered by verified cost of living data from 10,000+ cities across 195 countries.
Your Details
Used to show your estimated monthly savings.
Estimated monthly cost in New York, United States
$4,200
Estimated Monthly Breakdown
How the Cost of Living Calculator Works
Our cost of living calculator uses verified average monthly expense data for each city, then adjusts it based on your selected lifestyle level and household size. A budget lifestyle assumes shared housing and minimal dining out, a moderate lifestyle reflects typical local spending, and a comfortable lifestyle assumes a private apartment and regular restaurant visits.
This tool is designed for expats, remote workers, students, and anyone planning a relocation who wants a quick, data-backed estimate before diving into a full city comparison. It draws directly from the same verified dataset used across our city and country rankings.
Tips for Using Your Estimate
Treat this calculator as a starting point rather than a fixed budget. Actual costs vary by neighborhood, personal habits, and currency fluctuations. For a more detailed breakdown, visit the full city page to see individual prices for rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
If you are comparing multiple destinations, use the city comparison tool to see two cities side by side across every cost category, or browse the city rankings to find affordable destinations that match your budget.
Calculator FAQ
How does the cost of living calculator work?
The calculator takes a city's average monthly cost of living data and adjusts it based on your selected lifestyle level (budget, moderate, or comfortable) and household size, giving you a personalized monthly expense estimate.
Is the cost of living calculator free to use?
Yes, the Worldlivingcost calculator is completely free to use with no sign-up required. It draws on the same verified data used across our city and country pages.
How accurate are the calculator's estimates?
Estimates are based on average contributor and public pricing data and should be used as a planning guide rather than an exact figure, since actual costs vary by neighborhood and personal spending habits.
Does the calculator account for household size?
Yes. You can select a household size from one to four or more people, and the calculator scales shared expenses like rent and utilities accordingly rather than simply multiplying costs per person.
Can the calculator show if I can afford to live somewhere?
If you enter your expected monthly income, the calculator compares it against your estimated expenses and shows approximately how much you would have left over, or whether your income falls short for that lifestyle level.
What Is a Cost of Living Calculator?
A cost of living calculator estimates monthly living expenses in a city by analyzing rent, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and lifestyle costs. It helps expats, remote workers, students, retirees, and families compare affordability before relocating.