Cost of Living Comparison Calculator 2026
Compare living costs across the 8 countries covered on VisaCalc, using a representative major city in each. Enter a monthly budget in one city and see the equivalent amount needed in another.
⚠️ Excludes rent — rent varies enormously by neighbourhood and should be compared separately for your specific situation.
Cost of Living Index — 8 Representative Cities (2026 Mid-Year)
| City | Country | Cost of Living Index (excl. rent, NYC=100) |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | 🇺🇸 USA | 100.0 (baseline) |
| Singapore | 🇸🇬 Singapore | 85.3 |
| London | 🇬🇧 UK | 83.2 |
| Sydney | 🇦🇺 Australia | 69.3 |
| Dublin | 🇮🇪 Ireland | 72.2 |
| Toronto | 🇨🇦 Canada | 63.8 |
| Berlin | 🇩🇪 Germany | 66.0 |
| Dubai | 🇦🇪 UAE | 58.4 |
How This Calculator Works
We divide your entered budget by the "from" city's index, then multiply by the "to" city's index, giving the amount of money needed in the destination city to maintain the same standard of living for groceries, restaurants, transportation, and utilities. Rent is deliberately excluded — it varies far more by neighbourhood and property type than these city-wide averages can meaningfully capture, so compare rent separately using local listings for your target area.
Worked Example
A monthly budget of $2,500 in Toronto (index 63.8) converts to approximately $3,918 in New York City (index 100.0) — reflecting that non-rent living costs in New York run roughly 57% higher than in Toronto for an equivalent lifestyle.
Assumptions
- Each country is represented by a single major city (its largest or most immigration-relevant hub) — actual costs vary significantly by region within each country.
- The index reflects a moderate, average-consumption lifestyle basket, not luxury or minimal-budget living.
Limitations
- Excludes rent entirely — always research current rental listings for your specific target neighbourhood separately.
- Does not model income tax, healthcare costs, or childcare, all of which vary substantially between these countries and can outweigh day-to-day cost-of-living differences.
- Index values are periodically updated by Numbeo based on crowdsourced and verified pricing data — always check the current figures at the source link above for the latest numbers.
This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Page last reviewed July 5, 2026.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Cost of Living
What does the Cost of Living Index measure?
It's a relative index (Numbeo methodology, New York City = 100) covering groceries, restaurants, transportation, and utilities. It deliberately excludes rent, since rent varies enormously by neighbourhood and is better compared separately.
Which city is cheapest of the 8 covered here?
Dubai has the lowest cost of living index among the 8 (58.4), followed by Toronto (63.8) and Berlin (66.0). Singapore (85.3), London (83.2), and New York (100, the baseline) are the most expensive.
Cost of Living Comparison Calculator results are estimates only based on relative indices and do not constitute financial advice. Actual costs vary by neighbourhood, lifestyle, and household size — always research your specific destination in detail before relocating. Source: Numbeo Cost of Living Index, 2026 Mid-Year.