Salary Comparison
Bakers: Pasadena vs Rockford
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Pasadena, CA
$38,450/yr
Rockford, IL
$29,989/yr
Our recommendation: Rockford, IL
Rockford offers $1,278 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.
Full Breakdown
Pasadena
Rockford
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$38,450
$29,989
+$8,461
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$2,339
$1,824
+$515
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
138
71
+67 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$3,700
$1,907
+$1,793
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$2,350
$950
+$1,400
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$-1,361
$-83
$1,278
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
0.63×
0.96×
-0.33×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
1/10 (Tight)
3/10 (Tight)
-2
A vs B
Pasadena — Full Details
Rockford — 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.