⚖️ Job Offer Comparison Calculator
Put two or three offers head to head — base, bonus, equity, 401(k) match, benefits, and PTO — then adjust for cost of living to see which one truly comes out ahead on total compensation.
⚖️ Adjusted comparison
| Offer | Total comp | PTO value | COL-adjusted | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Offer A 🏆 | $130,769 | $5,769 | $130,769 | #1 |
| Offer B | $139,215 | $4,615 | $107,089 | #2 |
On cost-of-living-adjusted total compensation, Offer A comes out ahead.
The adjusted figure divides total comp by the cost-of-living index (100 = national average), so a big salary in an expensive city is compared fairly. Equity and benefit values are rough estimates — these are figures for planning, not financial advice.
Compare the whole package, not just the salary
The headline salary is only one line of an offer. A strong bonus, a generous 401(k) match, real equity, valuable health benefits, and extra PTO can add up to tens of thousands of dollars — and where you live changes what all of it is worth. Normalising everything to a single cost-of-living-adjusted number turns a messy apples-to-oranges choice into a clear ranking.
Use it to pressure-test a gut feeling before you accept, or to build the case for a counteroffer. Pair it with the Take-Home Pay Calculator to see each offer’s net paycheck.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How does the job offer comparison work?
It rolls every part of each offer into one total-compensation figure — base salary, bonus, estimated annual equity, employer 401(k) match, the dollar value of health benefits, and the value of your PTO days (base ÷ working days × PTO days). Then it adjusts that total for cost of living so offers in different cities can be compared fairly, and ranks them.
What is the cost-of-living index and how do I use it?
It's a number where 100 is the national average; a city at 130 costs about 30% more to live in, and one at 85 costs about 15% less. The calculator divides total comp by the index (× 100 ÷ index), so a high salary in an expensive city is discounted to reflect what it actually buys. You can look up an index for a metro area from public cost-of-living comparison sites.
Why does a lower-salary offer sometimes win?
Because total compensation is more than base pay, and a dollar goes further in a cheaper city. A $100,000 offer in an average-cost city can beat a $120,000 offer in a city that's 30% more expensive once you factor in bonus, match, benefits, PTO, and cost of living. That's exactly the kind of hidden trade-off this tool surfaces.
How accurate is this comparison?
It's an estimate for planning. Equity value is notoriously uncertain, benefit worth is approximate, and cost-of-living indices are broad averages, so the ranking is a decision aid rather than a precise verdict. Weigh it alongside factors it can't score — growth, culture, commute, and stability — and treat the numbers as guidance, not financial, tax, or legal advice.