Salary Comparison
Air Traffic Controllers: Mesa vs Somerville
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Mesa, AZ
$159,648/yr
Somerville, MA
$131,360/yr
Our recommendation: Mesa, AZ
Mesa offers $2,623 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Mesa
Somerville
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$159,648
$131,360
+$28,288
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$9,712
$7,991
+$1,721
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
94
132
-38 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,518
$3,420
$902
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,420
$1,967
$547
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$7,194
$4,571
+$2,623
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
3.86×
2.34×
+1.52×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
8/10 (Comfortable)
+2
A vs B
Mesa — Full Details
Somerville — Full Details
Salary estimates based on BLS metro data. Cost of living from regional price indices. All figures are estimates; verify with employers before making decisions.