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Cost-of-Living Index Converter
Enter an amount you know in city A and the index numbers for both cities. The calculator returns the equivalent amount in city B.
Indices compare a fixed basket. Rent, childcare and transport can diverge sharply from the overall index, so replace those categories with local prices.
What an index can and cannot do
An index answers “how much more expensive is the basket in B than in A?” It cannot answer “what will my rent be?” because your flat, neighbourhood and lease terms are not the basket. Use the index to shortlist cities and to sanity-check a move, then price the large categories directly.
Keep the base year consistent
Two indices with different base years or baskets are not directly comparable. Use one source for both cities, note the date, and convert the currency at the rate you expect to pay at.
Frequently asked questions
Is a higher index always more expensive for me?
Not necessarily. The index covers a basket; your spending may be concentrated in categories that behave differently.
Should I include rent in the conversion?
You can, but rent is the category where indices diverge most. Price the actual flat you would rent.
How often do indices change?
Regularly. Note the date of the numbers and re-check before relying on them for a decision.