Question 1

What does a cost of living index of 120 mean?

Accepted Answer

It means costs are about 20% above the US average, so you generally need about 20% more income to maintain similar purchasing power.

Question 2

Does this include state or local taxes?

Accepted Answer

No. It compares living costs, not tax brackets. Use the take home calculator on city pages to estimate after tax pay.

Question 3

What if my city is not listed?

Accepted Answer

Try a nearby metro with similar costs as a proxy, or use the default city list for a quick comparison.

Question 4

How should I use the result with a job offer?

Accepted Answer

Use it as a baseline, then layer in benefits, shift differentials, and housing to see the full picture.

Question 5

Why can two similar salaries feel different?

Accepted Answer

Housing, transportation, and healthcare costs can vary widely, so the same pay can stretch more in lower cost metros.

Question 6

Is this useful for travel nurses?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It helps compare assignment cities, but use actual stipend amounts for the most accurate view.