Remote Salary Calculator

Calculate your cost-of-living adjusted salary when working remotely from different locations. Compare purchasing power and see how far your salary goes.

Remote salaries are often adjusted based on where you live. A $100,000 salary in San Francisco has very different purchasing power than the same salary in Lisbon or Bangkok. Use this calculator to understand how cost of living affects your real earnings and find your ideal remote work destination.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How is cost-of-living adjusted salary calculated?

We use cost-of-living indices relative to the US average (100). If you earn $100,000 in San Francisco (COL 180) and move to Lisbon (COL 60), your equivalent purchasing power salary would be $33,333 - meaning that $33,333 in Lisbon buys you the same lifestyle as $100,000 in San Francisco.

Do remote companies actually adjust salaries by location?

It varies. Some companies pay the same regardless of location (location-agnostic), others adjust based on local market rates, and some use cost-of-living adjustments. Companies like GitLab, Basecamp, and many startups publish their compensation philosophies publicly.

Should I accept a lower salary to work from a cheaper location?

If your purchasing power increases (you can afford more with less), it can be a great deal. For example, keeping 70% of a San Francisco salary while living in Lisbon could dramatically increase your quality of life and savings rate. Use this calculator to understand the real trade-offs.

What factors aren't included in this calculator?

This calculator focuses on general cost of living. It doesn't account for taxes (which vary significantly), healthcare costs, visa requirements, currency exchange fluctuations, or personal lifestyle factors like travel frequency.

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