The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Astronomers: Moore vs Newton

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

Moore, OK

$121,709/yr

Take-home$7,404/mo
Disposable$5,254/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
Best Value

Newton, MA

$189,430/yr

Take-home$11,524/mo
Disposable$7,689/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Newton, MA

Newton offers $2,435 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Moore

Newton

Diff (Aโˆ’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

83

148

-65 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,150

$3,835

$1,685

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,237

$2,206

$969

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$5,254

$7,689

$2,435

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

3.44ร—

3.00ร—

+0.44ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

10/10 (Comfortable)

10/10 (Comfortable)

+0

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.