The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Adult Basic Education: Kent vs Berkeley

Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.

Kent, WA

$68,740/yr

Take-home$4,182/mo
Disposable$1,374/mo
Lifestyle5/10 ยท Tight
Best Value

Berkeley, CA

$96,200/yr

Take-home$5,852/mo
Disposable$1,874/mo
Lifestyle5/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Berkeley, CA

Berkeley offers $500 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Kent

Berkeley

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$68,740

$96,200

$27,460

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$4,182

$5,852

$1,670

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

105

148

-43 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,808

$3,978

$1,170

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,650

$2,550

$900

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$1,374

$1,874

$500

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.49ร—

1.47ร—

+0.02ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

5/10 (Tight)

5/10 (Tight)

+0

A vs B

Salary estimates based on BLS metro data. Cost of living from regional price indices. All figures are estimates; verify with employers before making decisions.