Definition
Equivalence scale
An equivalence scale adjusts a household budget for the number of people it supports, on the basis that a second person costs more than nothing but less than the first, because housing, heating and food are shared.
A common shape adds around 35% of the single-person cost for each additional adult. The Where Can I Live With My Salary calculator uses that shape.
Tools that use this term
Where Can I Live With My Salary?
Estimate what a place would cost you each month and what would be left of your salary.
Cost of Living Calculator
Compare two places line by line and see what the difference means for your salary.
Budget Calculator
Split your take-home pay into needs, wants and savings with the 50/30/20 guideline.