Salary Comparison
Astronomers: Elgin vs Quincy
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Elgin, IL
$133,989/yr
Quincy, MA
$189,430/yr
Our recommendation: Quincy, MA
Quincy offers $2,774 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Elgin
Quincy
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$133,989
$189,430
$55,441
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$8,151
$11,524
$3,373
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
90
116
-26 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,407
$3,006
$599
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,350
$1,729
$379
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$5,744
$8,518
$2,774
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
3.39×
3.83×
-0.44×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Elgin — Full Details
Quincy — 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.