The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Arbitrators: Baltimore vs Plano

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

Best Value

Baltimore, MD

$86,280/yr

Take-home$5,249/mo
Disposable$2,451/mo
Lifestyle7/10 ยท Moderate

Plano, TX

$47,890/yr

Take-home$2,913/mo
Disposable$118/mo
Lifestyle3/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Baltimore, MD

Baltimore offers $2,333 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Baltimore

Plano

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$86,280

$47,890

+$38,390

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$5,249

$2,913

+$2,336

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

108

104

+4 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,798

$2,795

+$3

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,610

$1,650

$40

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$2,451

$118

+$2,333

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.88ร—

1.04ร—

+0.84ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

7/10 (Moderate)

3/10 (Tight)

+4

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.