Research Guides: Career Resources at FSU Panama City: Cost of Living Resources

Introduction

When comparing job offers, it's important to take into account the cost of living in each location. Here are some basics to consider when comparing cost of living data:

Gather data: First, research the cost of living data for the locations where the job offers are located. There are several websites and resources available that provide this information, such as CNN Money’s Calculator, Best Places’ Cost of Living Calculator, and Bankrate’s Calculator.
Consider housing costs: Housing costs are typically the largest expense for most people. When comparing cost of living data, be sure to look at the cost of housing in each location, including rent, utilities, and property taxes.
Look at transportation costs: Transportation costs can also vary significantly depending on the location. Consider the cost of gas, public transportation, and other transportation-related expenses when comparing cost of living data.
Factor in food costs: Food costs can also vary depending on the location. Consider the cost of groceries, dining out, and other food-related expenses when comparing cost of living data.
Adjust for salary: Once you have a sense of the cost of living in each location, adjust the salary for each job offer accordingly. For example, if the cost of living is higher in one location, you may need a higher salary to maintain the same standard of living.

By taking these factors into account, you can compare job offers more effectively and make an informed decision about which offer is the best fit for your needs and lifestyle.

US Data

CNN Money’s Cost-of-Living Salary Tool
Compare cost of living n US-only cities.
NerdWallet Cost of Living Calculator
Allows user to compare the cost of living in 2 US-only cities.
Cost of living index (Council for Community and Economic Research) 2012-
Print only - FSU Strozier Library - DATA ; HD6979 .A45
Bankrate’s Cost of Living Comparison Calculator
The cost of living is the total amount of money required to live in a certain area and cover your basic necessities. Expenses typically factored into cost of living calculations include housing, food and taxes. It may also include such expenses as transportation, health care, entertainment and education. Data provides from C2ER.
Best Places Cost of Living Calculator
The BestPlaces cost of living index starts with C2ER's 100-as-national-average model adopted by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) in 1968, then update and expand it to include 21st-century consumer spending preferences and expenditure types.

International Data

Numbero
Numbero collects data on the cost of living for major cities across the world.
Expatistan
Expatistan.com was founded in 2009 by Gerardo Robledillo, a software engineer specializing in web applications. An expat himself, he created Expatistan to solve a problem that every expat faces; How much money will I need in my new city? Expatistan runs one of the biggest collaborative cost-of-living databases of prices in the world. This database is constantly updated and improved in a collaborative way by expats all over the world.
LivingCost
LivingCost crowdsources a database with a cost of living calculator for price comparison in 9294 cities in 197 countries all over the world. The cost of living calculated as a consumer basket for a moderate lifestyle in developed countries and thus might seem too high for some least developed countries where maintaining such a standard of living is expensive.
ERI Cost of Living Comparison Calculator
ERI collects, compiles, and analyzes data relating to cost of living from available sources and researches areas which are not commonly surveyed individually.