The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Area: Bethlehem vs Newton

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

Best Value

Bethlehem, PA

$82,416/yr

Take-home$5,014/mo
Disposable$2,604/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable

Newton, MA

$103,130/yr

Take-home$6,274/mo
Disposable$2,439/mo
Lifestyle6/10 ยท Moderate
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Bethlehem, PA

Bethlehem offers $165 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Bethlehem

Newton

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$82,416

$103,130

$20,714

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$5,014

$6,274

$1,260

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

93

148

-55 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,410

$3,835

$1,425

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,386

$2,206

$820

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$2,604

$2,439

+$165

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.08ร—

1.64ร—

+0.44ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

8/10 (Comfortable)

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.