Cost of Staying vs Going
Should you move abroad? See the 5-year financial difference
Choose Your Cities
New York 
Playa del Carmen Your Finances
Monthly Cost Breakdown (USD)
Side-by-side comparison of what you'll spend each month
5-Year Financial Projection
Year-by-year cumulative savings comparison
| Year | Stay — Monthly Expenses | Stay — Monthly Savings | Stay — Cumulative Savings | Go — Monthly Expenses | Go — Monthly Savings | Go — Cumulative Savings | Difference |
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What's Cheaper & What's Not
Category-by-category comparison at your destination
Popular Destinations
About this calculator: Cost estimates use publicly available data as of February 2026. All amounts in USD. The "moderate lifestyle" formula includes city-center rent, groceries, 10 meals out, transit pass, utilities, internet, and gym. Actual costs vary by lifestyle, neighborhood, and spending habits. This tool does not account for taxes, visa costs, or health insurance premiums. Suggest a correction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if moving abroad will save me money?
This calculator compares your total 5-year financial outcome in two scenarios: staying where you are vs. moving to a lower cost-of-living destination. By factoring in your income, savings rate, one-time moving costs, and real cost-of-living data from 250+ cities, it shows exactly when (and if) relocating pays off financially. If the destination city has lower monthly expenses, the cumulative savings will eventually offset your moving costs — that point is your break-even date.
What costs are included in this comparison?
The monthly cost estimate includes city-center 1BR apartment rent, groceries, 10 restaurant meals, a public transit pass, utilities (electric/water/gas), internet, and a gym membership. These represent a moderate expat lifestyle. The calculator also factors in one-time moving costs like flights, shipping, and security deposits. Costs NOT included: visa fees, health insurance, taxes, and entertainment — which vary too much by individual situation.
How long does it take to break even after moving abroad?
Break-even time depends on two factors: your one-time moving costs and your monthly savings difference. For example, if you spend $5,000 to move but save $800/month in a cheaper city, you break even in about 6 months. Most expats moving from the US to popular destinations like Mexico, Thailand, or Portugal break even within 3-8 months. The calculator shows your exact break-even month based on real data.
Should I factor in income changes when moving abroad?
Yes, if your income will change. Remote workers keeping their salary see the biggest benefits — same income, lower costs. However, if you plan to work locally, expect potential pay cuts of 30-50%. Use the "Expected income change" slider to model different scenarios. Even with a 20% pay cut, many destinations are still financially favorable due to 40-70% lower living costs.
What hidden costs of moving abroad should I consider?
Beyond the numbers in this calculator, consider: visa and residency permit fees ($200-$2,000/year), international health insurance ($100-$500/month), annual trips home ($500-$2,000), currency exchange fees (1-3% per transfer), setting up a new household (furniture, appliances), and potential tax obligations in two countries. We recommend adding 10-15% to the estimated monthly costs as a buffer for these extras.
