Cost of Living Comparison Tool
Select two cities and instantly compare cost indices, GSA per diem rates, and which assignment offers better financial value.
Not all travel nurse contracts are created equal. A high-paying assignment in an expensive city can leave you with less money than a moderate contract in an affordable metro. Use this tool to compare cost of living between two cities, factoring in GSA per diem rates and real expense categories.
City A
City B
Cost Index Comparison
100 = national average. Higher means more expensive.
| Category | City A | City B | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Index |
GSA Per Diem & Stipend Comparison
City A
City B
Want to compare full pay packages including hourly rates, stipends, and taxes?
Try the Pay CalculatorWhy Cost of Living Matters for Travel Nurses
A $2,500/week contract in San Francisco might leave you with less spending power than a $2,000/week contract in Dallas. Cost of living differences between cities can make or break the financial upside of an assignment. Understanding these differences before you accept a contract is one of the smartest financial moves you can make.
Understanding Cost Index Numbers
In this tool, 100 represents the national average for each category. A score of 130 means that category costs 30% more than average, while a score of 80 means it costs 20% less. These indices are based on aggregated data from housing markets, grocery surveys, transportation costs, healthcare pricing, and utility rate studies across major metro areas.
How GSA Per Diem Rates Affect Your Pay
The General Services Administration (GSA) sets per diem rates for each county in the United States. These rates determine the maximum non-taxable stipend amounts agencies can offer for housing and meals & incidentals. Higher GSA rates in expensive cities mean higher potential stipends, but that does not always offset the increased cost of living. This tool helps you see whether the stipend advantage actually puts more money in your pocket.
What to Compare
- Housing: The biggest variable. Furnished short-term rentals in high-cost cities can eat through stipends fast.
- Groceries: Food costs vary 20-40% between regions. Meal prepping saves even more in expensive cities.
- Transportation: Some cities require a car; others have great public transit. Factor in parking costs at hospitals.
- Healthcare: Co-pays, prescriptions, and out-of-pocket costs vary by region.
- Utilities: Climate drives heating and cooling costs significantly.
Pro Tips
- Always compare your stipend to actual local housing costs — GSA rates do not always match reality
- Check Furnished Finder, Airbnb, and local Facebook groups for real rental prices
- Factor in state income tax — some states (TX, FL, NV, WA, TN) have no income tax
- Consider travel costs to and from assignments when comparing locations