Job Offer Comparison Calculator
Compare two offers side-by-side: not just CTC, but true in-hand after ESOPs, variable pay probability, joining bonus clawback, commute cost, tax regime, and cost-of-living adjustment.
Offer A
Offer B
Side-by-Side Breakdown
| Component | Current Offer | New Offer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CTC | ₹18,00,000 | ₹24,00,000 | +₹6,00,000 |
| Gross Salary | ₹15,50,000 | ₹21,00,000 | +₹5,50,000 |
| Employee PF Deduction | −₹21,600 | −₹21,600 | ₹0 |
| Professional Tax | −₹2,400 | −₹2,500 | ₹-100 |
| Income Tax | −₹1,05,300 | −₹2,14,500 | ₹-1,09,200 |
| Net Salary (In-Hand) | ₹14,20,700 | ₹18,61,400 | +₹4,40,700 |
| Expected Variable Pay | +₹2,16,000 | +₹3,84,000 | +₹1,68,000 |
| Joining Bonus (risk-adjusted) | +₹0 | +₹2,00,000 | +₹2,00,000 |
| Commute Cost | −₹57,600 | −₹86,400 | ₹-28,800 |
| ESOP Annual Value | +₹0 | +₹1,25,000 | +₹1,25,000 |
| Effective Total Compensation | ₹15,79,100 | ₹24,84,000 | +₹9,04,900 |
| City Cost-of-Living Adjustment | ₹15,79,100 | ₹17,74,286 | +₹1,95,186 |
What this comparison does (and does not) capture
- ESOPs are valued at current FMV: Actual value depends on future valuation, liquidity events, and exercise cost. This is a directional estimate only.
- Variable pay is probability-weighted: If your company pays 80% of target on average, set probability to 80%.
- Joining bonus clawback: If you leave before the clawback period, you repay the full amount. We discount it proportionally.
- Commute cost includes time value: The ₹/km figure should include fuel, maintenance, parking, and an estimate of your time value.
- Cost-of-living is approximate: Based on rental and consumer price differences across Indian cities. Personal circumstances vary.
- Not included: Health insurance quality, work-life balance, career growth trajectory, team quality, stock liquidity, and job security.
How to compare job offers honestly
Most people compare CTCs and pick the higher number. That is wrong. CTC includes employer PF, non-cash benefits, and sometimes inflated variable pay targets. What matters is what you actually receive, adjusted for where you live and how you get there.
Step 1: Compute in-hand salary for each offer
Start with gross salary (basic + HRA + special + bonus), then subtract employee PF, professional tax, and income tax under the relevant regime. This gives you the cash that hits your bank account.
Step 2: Add expected variable pay
Variable pay is not guaranteed. If your company pays 80% of target on average, multiply the variable component by 0.8. Don't let HR sell you the 100% number.
Step 3: Value ESOPs conservatively
ESOPs are worth zero until exercised and sold. For comparison purposes, divide the current FMV of the grant by the vesting period. Then discount by 30-50% for illiquidity. Pre-IPO ESOPs should be discounted even more.
Step 4: Account for joining bonus clawback
A ₹2 lakh joining bonus with a 24-month clawback is a bet on your tenure. If you plan to stay 12 months, it's worth ₹1 lakh. If you might leave in 6 months, it's worth ₹50,000. Be honest about your expected tenure.
Step 5: Subtract commute cost
A 30-km commute in Mumbai costs more than a 10-km commute in Hyderabad, both in fuel and time. Estimate ₹10-15 per km including fuel, maintenance, parking, and a conservative time value.
Step 6: Adjust for cost-of-living
Finally, normalize both offers to the same city. A ₹24 lakh offer in Mumbai (COL index 140) is equivalent to roughly ₹17 lakh in Bengaluru (COL index 100). This is the number you should compare.
Disclaimer: ESOP valuations are directional estimates based on current FMV and do not predict future liquidity events. Variable pay probability is a user estimate, not a guarantee. Cost-of-living indices are approximate and based on rental and consumer price differences. Commute cost should include fuel, maintenance, parking, and your own estimate of time value. This calculator is for comparison purposes only; actual compensation depends on company policy, performance, and market conditions.
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