How to compare two job offers in different cities
TL;DR: Compare offers on cost-of-living-adjusted purchasing power, not headline salary — a 15% raise in a city that's 25% more expensive to live in is a real pay cut, even though the number on the offer letter looks bigger.
Why headline salary alone is misleading across cities
Housing, in particular, can vary enormously between cities — a salary bump that looks generous on paper can be entirely absorbed (or worse) by higher rent, transportation, and everyday costs in the new location.
What to actually factor in
- Housing cost difference between the two cities for a comparable lifestyle
- Commute cost and time, which has both a financial and quality-of-life cost
- Any relocation support offered, and whether it covers the real cost of moving
Run the actual comparison
Our Job Offer Decision Report applies a cost-of-living adjustment specifically so a cross-city comparison reflects real purchasing power, not just the number on each offer letter.
Frequently asked questions
How much does cost of living really vary between cities?
It can vary enormously depending on the specific cities being compared — the gap is often far larger than people intuitively expect, especially on housing, which is why an explicit adjustment matters more than a gut-feel comparison.
Should I factor in career growth potential, not just money?
Yes — a lower-paying offer with meaningfully better growth trajectory or skill development can be the better long-term choice even after the cost-of-living-adjusted numbers favor the other offer. The financial comparison is one input, not the entire decision.