US cost of working calculator
In the US, your "cost of working" isn't just tax. It's healthcare, commute, rent, childcare, and debt. This page explains how to use the Real Cost Simulator to see the real cost of your job.
1. Choose "United States" as your region
The simulator uses US‑specific assumptions for tax and healthcare, depending on whether you:
- Have employer‑provided health insurance
- Buy a marketplace plan
- Are currently uninsured
2. Add healthcare premiums and out‑of‑pocket costs
Healthcare is one of the biggest hidden costs of working in the US. In the simulator you can:
- Select your typical plan type (employer, marketplace, none)
- Override with your real monthly premiums and out‑of‑pocket spend
- See how that affects your leftover money and hourly rate
3. Include US‑style housing, commute and debt
Combine US rent or mortgage costs with:
- Car‑heavy commutes (fuel, insurance, maintenance, parking)
- Public transport season passes where available
- Student loans, credit cards and other debt payments
4. See what you really keep per hour
Once everything is in, the simulator shows how much of your income survives after the real costs of working in the US. It also reveals your real hourly wage – what you actually keep per hour of life, after rent, healthcare, commute, debt and lifestyle costs.