Salary Comparison
Astronomers: Elgin vs Kirkland
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Elgin, IL
$133,989/yr
Kirkland, WA
$83,460/yr
Our recommendation: Elgin, IL
Elgin offers $3,984 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Elgin
Kirkland
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
128
-38 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,407
$3,317
$910
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,350
$1,908
$558
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$5,744
$1,760
+$3,984
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
3.39×
1.53×
+1.86×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
6/10 (Moderate)
+4
A vs B
Elgin — Full Details
Kirkland — 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.