Can You Afford to Move? Use These 4 Metrics to Find Out
Relocating to a new city—whether across the country or across the world—is a huge decision. It can feel exciting, overwhelming, and confusing all at once. One of the most common questions we hear is: “Can I actually afford to move?”
This article breaks down the four key financial metrics you should calculate before making the leap—and shows you how our city comparison tool helps you find the answer fast.
1. Net Salary After Tax
Forget gross salary. What matters is how much you actually take home every month. Net salary gives you a real picture of what you can spend, save, or invest.
Why it matters: Two cities might offer the same gross pay—but vastly different net incomes once you factor in taxes and social security.
| Example | Gross Salary | Net Monthly Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Berlin | €65,000/year | ~€3,200/month |
| Dubai | €65,000/year | ~€5,400/month (tax-free) |
Use the tool: Compare net salaries by job role, experience level, and country. We factor in local tax rates and deductions automatically.
2. Rent-to-Income Ratio
Housing is usually your biggest expense. The rent-to-income ratio tells you what % of your monthly income will go toward rent.
General rule: Keep rent below 30% of your income if you want to save and live comfortably.
| City | Avg. Rent (1BR) | Avg. Net Salary | Rent % |
|---|---|---|---|
| London | $2,600 | $4,700 | 55% |
| Lisbon | $1,150 | $3,200 | 36% |
| Tbilisi | $450 | $2,000 | 22% |
Use the tool: Enter your expected income or select your job type—we’ll calculate the ratio for you in every city.
3. Total Monthly Burn Rate
Your burn rate is your full monthly cost of living—including rent, groceries, utilities, transport, and insurance.
This gives you a clearer sense of how long your savings will last, or how much you can save monthly after your fixed expenses.
| City | Est. Monthly Costs | Net Income | Leftover |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam | $3,700 | $4,300 | $600 |
| Buenos Aires | $1,100 | $2,100 | $1,000 |
| Singapore | $4,800 | $6,500 | $1,700 |
Use the tool: Model your personal burn rate using real cost-of-living data—and toggle to see how changes in salary or location affect your savings potential.
4. Relocation Buffer Needed
It’s not just about monthly costs—you’ll also need a one-time buffer for the move itself. That includes:
- Flights and shipping
- First month + deposit
- Visa application costs
- Health insurance or private care
- Setup expenses (SIM, furniture, new clothes)
General recommendation: Have 2–3 months of local expenses saved before your move.
| City | Typical Setup Costs |
|---|---|
| Toronto | $5,000 – $7,000 |
| Berlin | $3,000 – $4,500 |
| Bali | $1,500 – $2,500 |
Use the tool: Our moving cost estimator gives you realistic ranges based on your destination.
Bottom Line
Moving is more than just a dream—it’s a financial equation.
By checking these 4 metrics:
- Net salary after tax
- Rent-to-income ratio
- Monthly burn rate
- Relocation buffer
you’ll know not just if you can move—but if you’ll thrive after you do.
Try our city comparison tool now to see what you can afford—and what cities give you the most freedom.