The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Arbitrators: Lubbock vs Boulder

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

Best Value

Lubbock, TX

$66,190/yr

Take-home$4,027/mo
Disposable$2,009/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Moderate

Boulder, CO

$90,485/yr

Take-home$5,505/mo
Disposable$2,102/mo
Lifestyle6/10 ยท Moderate
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Lubbock, TX

Lubbock offers higher purchasing power (8 vs 6/10), giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Lubbock

Boulder

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$66,190

$90,485

$24,295

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$4,027

$5,505

$1,478

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

75

127

-52 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,018

$3,403

$1,385

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,050

$2,150

$1,100

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$2,009

$2,102

$93

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.00ร—

1.62ร—

+0.38ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

8/10 (Moderate)

6/10 (Moderate)

+2

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.