The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Cardiologists: Bethlehem vs Frederick

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

Bethlehem, PA

$126,142/yr

Take-home$7,674/mo
Disposable$5,264/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
Best Value

Frederick, MD

$152,583/yr

Take-home$9,282/mo
Disposable$6,561/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Frederick, MD

Frederick offers $1,297 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Bethlehem

Frederick

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$126,142

$152,583

$26,441

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$7,674

$9,282

$1,608

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

93

105

-12 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,410

$2,721

$311

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,386

$1,565

$179

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$5,264

$6,561

$1,297

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

3.18ร—

3.41ร—

-0.23ร—

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.