Salary Comparison
Astronomers: Tempe vs Newton
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Tempe, AZ
$134,808/yr
Newton, MA
$189,430/yr
Our recommendation: Newton, MA
Newton offers $2,173 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Tempe
Newton
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$134,808
$189,430
$54,622
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$8,201
$11,524
$3,323
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
100
148
-48 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,685
$3,835
$1,150
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,550
$2,206
$656
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$5,516
$7,689
$2,173
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
3.05×
3.00×
+0.05×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Tempe — Full Details
Newton — 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.