Does $100,000 Go Far in These 5 U.S. Cities?

By Team SalaryCalculate · 1/1/1970

You just got a $100,000 offer. That sounds like a lot — but how far does it actually go in 2025? Let’s compare.

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### 1. San Francisco, CA
- **Avg Rent (1BR):** $3,250/month
- **State Tax:** High
- **Cost of Living Index:** 195

💸 You’d need ~$185,000 to match $100k buying power from the national average.

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### 2. Austin, TX
- **Avg Rent (1BR):** $1,650/month
- **State Tax:** None
- **COL Index:** 112

Austin offers a great balance of salary-to-lifestyle.

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### 3. New York City, NY
- **Avg Rent (1BR):** $3,450/month (Manhattan)
- **State + City Tax:** High
- **COL Index:** 180+

Living alone on $100k in NYC is tight — roommates or outer boroughs help.

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### 4. Denver, CO
- **Avg Rent (1BR):** $1,800/month
- **COL Index:** 110
- **Quality of Life:** High

Solid choice if you love outdoors + urban perks.

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### 5. Miami, FL
- **Avg Rent (1BR):** $2,200/month
- **State Tax:** None
- **COL Index:** 125

Rising quickly in popularity and cost.

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📊 Use our [Cost of Living Comparison Tool](/tools/cost-of-living-adjustment) to calculate your personal breakeven point.