Salary Comparison
Astronomers: Decatur vs Brockton
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Decatur, IL
$121,709/yr
Brockton, MA
$189,430/yr
Our recommendation: Brockton, MA
Brockton offers $3,601 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Decatur
Brockton
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$121,709
$189,430
$67,721
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$7,404
$11,524
$4,120
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
82
102
-20 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,124
$2,643
$519
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,222
$1,520
$298
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$5,280
$8,881
$3,601
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
3.49×
4.36×
-0.87×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Decatur — Full Details
Brockton — 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.