I have been using Excel for estimating a number of software development projects. I am migrating my estimations into MS Project 2010. These estimates involve 30+ resources and last more than a year. I typically perform a number of what-if types of estimates based on changing the Standard Rates for Resources based on where they are located which is a very easy set of calculations in Excel.

In order to have the Tracking Gantt and other views calculate Cost correctly I must change the location and Standard Rate on each person manually and hope I don't enter an incorrect value. I have created a custom field called "Location" and would like to have the Standard Rate change depending on the Resource's "Location". Or... have the Cost calculated on a custom field I have created called "LocationAdjustedRate" which changes based on the values in the custom field called "Location". In this manner I could develop a number of what-if scenarios based on Resource location very rapidly. Thank you so much in advance for your feedback.

I think a couple of options might help:
Each resource has 5 different rate tables. You could populate the rate tables with the differing rates per location.
In the Task Usage view, add the Rate Table field - change the rate table and Project will recalculate cost based upon the new rate table. (Fill down works to quickly change the rate table for multiple assignments).
You cannot change the value calculate in the Cost field - but you can create custom calculates in the spare Cost1, Cost2, etc fields.
I hope this helps.

Thank you so much for your insights on this. I will try your suggestions.

Best Regards,

John

Feel free to post back with any further questions.