Emergency Fund Calculators for 11 US Cities

How big an emergency fund should be depends on local costs and local risks.

Last updated: 10/18/2026 · Written by Sadaf Azeem

The common advice of three to six months of expenses turns into very different dollar amounts across these cities because rent dominates essential costs. Local hazards add more: hurricane deductibles and evacuation in Miami and Houston, hail deductibles in Dallas, and earthquakes on the West Coast.

How emergency fund calculators compare across the 11 cities

City6-month target (defaults)What is different there
New York City$33,970A New York emergency fund has to cover high fixed rent, and many leases require rent paid on the first of the month with little flexibility.
San Francisco$29,136Earthquake risk is part of emergency planning in San Francisco, along with the high cost of replacing housing on short notice.
Los Angeles$23,568Wildfire, earthquake and the cost of a long car commute are the local risks to plan for in LA.
Houston$20,758Hurricanes and flooding make an emergency fund especially important in Houston: evacuation, hotel stays and insurance deductibles can arrive together.
Dallas$19,976Hail and tornado season, rather than hurricanes, is the main local risk for Dallas households, and home insurance often carries a separate wind and hail deductible.
Chicago$21,450Winter heating bills and older building systems are the local wildcards for Chicago budgets.
Miami$29,495Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30) is the defining local risk.
Atlanta$18,930Severe storms, tornado warnings and long car commutes shape emergency planning in Atlanta.
Boston$28,080Winter storms, heating costs and the September 1 lease cycle — with first month, last month and security deposit often due up front — are the local reasons to hold extra cash.
Seattle$22,668Earthquake preparedness and the high cost of housing are the main reasons Seattle households carry larger cash cushions.
Washington DC$24,030Federal employment and contracting make job disruptions a particular risk for DC households, which is a reason many keep more than three months of expenses.

Default essential costs and buffer on each city's calculator.

Build it step by step

Start with one month of essential costs, then build to your target. Keep the money safe and accessible, such as in an FDIC-insured high-yield savings account.

Local extras

Each city calculator includes an extra buffer line for local deductibles or disasters, pre-filled where the risk is common.

Choose your city

Frequently asked questions

How many months should I save?

Three to six is common; more for freelancers or single-income households.

Where should I keep it?

In a safe, liquid account.

Does it include disaster costs?

Add them in the buffer line.