Salary Comparison
Area: Ann Arbor vs Lowell
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Ann Arbor, MI
$81,876/yr
Lowell, MA
$103,130/yr
Our recommendation: Lowell, MA
Lowell offers $1,358 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Ann Arbor
Lowell
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$81,876
$103,130
$21,254
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$4,981
$6,274
$1,293
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
109
106
+3 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,923
$2,858
+$65
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,750
$1,650
+$100
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$2,058
$3,416
$1,358
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.70×
2.20×
-0.50×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
6/10 (Moderate)
8/10 (Comfortable)
-2
A vs B
Ann Arbor — Full Details
Lowell — 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.