Salary Comparison
Astronomers: Elgin vs Everett
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Elgin, IL
$133,989/yr
Everett, WA
$83,460/yr
Our recommendation: Elgin, IL
Elgin offers $3,510 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Elgin
Everett
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$133,989
$83,460
+$50,529
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$8,151
$5,077
+$3,074
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
90
106
-16 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,407
$2,843
$436
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,350
$1,680
$330
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$5,744
$2,234
+$3,510
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
3.39×
1.79×
+1.60×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
7/10 (Moderate)
+3
A vs B
Elgin — Full Details
Everett — 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.