Job Offer A vs B
A bigger salary in a pricier city isn't always the better deal. Compare two offers on what actually lands in your pocket after rent and commute.
Your numbers
Offer A
Offer B
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Take Offer A
Offer A leaves you about ₹1.54L/year better off after rent and commute — even though the higher sticker salary may be on the other offer.
Offer A · net/year
₹13,04,000
Offer B · net/year
₹11,50,000
ℹ️ Net = pay minus rent and commute. Income tax isn't modelled, and non-financial factors (growth, role, culture) can outweigh the money.
Money in your pocket per year
How to compare two job offers
The number on the offer letter is not what you keep. To compare fairly, look at total compensation minus the cost of living where each job is based. A ₹18L role in an expensive metro can leave you with less spending money than a ₹15L role in a cheaper city once rent and commute are paid.
The calculator adds up each offer's base + bonus + perks, then subtracts rent and commute, to show what actually lands in your pocket per year.
What to include beyond base salary
- Bonus and variable pay — but weight it by how reliably it's paid.
- Perks with real cash value — ESOPs/RSUs, health insurance, meal or travel allowances, relocation.
- Cost of living — rent is the biggest swing between cities; also factor commute time and cost.
- Tax — this tool compares pre-tax net of living costs. Two offers in the same regime tax similarly, but a big structural difference (e.g. more tax-free allowances) can matter.
Don't forget the non-financial factors
Money is only part of the decision. Before you accept, weigh:
- Growth and learning — which role builds more valuable skills?
- Manager and team — often the biggest driver of day-to-day happiness.
- Stability and runway — startup equity vs steady MNC pay.
- Commute and flexibility — remote/hybrid can be worth a real salary premium.
A small pay difference rarely outweighs a much better role or manager.
Related tools
- Rent vs Buy — once you pick a city, should you rent or buy there?
- Course/Degree ROI — would upskilling raise your offers?
Frequently asked questions
How do I compare two job offers in different cities?
Compare total pay (base + bonus + perks) minus the cost of living in each city — mainly rent and commute. A higher salary in a costlier city can net less than a lower salary in a cheaper one.
Should I take the job with the higher salary?
Not automatically. After rent, commute and (sometimes) tax differences, the higher-salary offer can leave you with less. And non-financial factors like growth, manager and flexibility often matter more than a small pay gap.
Does this calculator include income tax?
No. It compares take-home value net of rent and commute before tax. Offers taxed under the same regime are affected similarly, but large structural differences in allowances can change the picture.
How should I value ESOPs or RSUs in an offer?
Include a realistic expected annual value in "other perks", discounted for risk and vesting. Equity in an early-stage startup is far less certain than listed-company RSUs.