All comparison data is sourced from state and federal datasets to ensure accuracy and reliability. International data is compiled from trusted global indices and official sources.

We refresh our data regularly as new releases become available, typically quarterly for most metrics. Rent estimates and cost of living data may be updated more frequently.

Yes! UrbanCompare lets you compare any combination of US metros and international cities side-by-side. Just search for any city in our database of 935+ US metros and 200+ international destinations.

The income slider adjusts your monthly budget to show how much discretionary income you'd have left after typical expenses in each city. It helps you see which cities are truly affordable based on your actual income.

The Scout Trip Planner helps you estimate the cost of visiting your target cities before you commit to moving. It shows estimated hotel, meal, and flight costs based on real per diem rates from state and federal data — so you can budget a scouting trip with confidence. You'll also find neighborhood recommendations and insider tips for each city.

Moving cost estimates are based on the distance between your origin and destination cities, your home size, and whether the move is domestic or international. These are planning-range estimates — for exact quotes, we recommend getting bids from licensed movers. You can enter any city as your starting point, not just the ones you're comparing.

The Savings tab shows you the long-term financial picture of each move. It compares your moving costs against monthly cost-of-living differences, then calculates a break-even timeline — so you can see when the move starts saving you money (or how much extra it costs for the lifestyle change).

You'll receive a free personalized relocation report for the cities you're comparing, sent directly to your email along with our relocation checklist. After that, you'll get monthly cost-of-living updates with a direct link back to your comparison — so you can track how costs change over time as you plan your move.

Yes, UrbanCompare is completely free. We believe everyone deserves access to quality data when making important life decisions about where to live.