How to Compare Job Offers Between Cities
To compare job offers across cities: (1) calculate net monthly salary after local taxes, (2) subtract core monthly costs, (3) compare the remaining breathing room. The city with the highest breathing room is most financially advantageous.
Calculate your salary in 30 seconds.
Step 1 — Convert gross to net
Use a salary calculator for each country. A €70,000 offer in Spain gives ~€4,040 net/month. A £70,000 offer in the UK gives ~£4,350 net/month.
Step 2 — Identify core cost baseline
Estimate monthly core costs: rent (use typical 1-bed outside centre), groceries, transport, utilities, internet.
Step 3 — Calculate breathing room
Breathing room = net monthly salary − core monthly costs. The city with the highest breathing room gives you the better lifestyle at that salary.
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Frequently asked questions
Should I accept a lower salary in a cheaper city?
Possibly yes. If the lower salary in a cheaper city leaves you with equal or greater breathing room, you are equally or more financially comfortable — and you gain quality of life.
See net pay, income rank, rent pressure and lifestyle power — for any salary in 30+ cities.
Open calculator →All figures are estimates. Not tax, legal, or financial advice. Methodology →