Salary Comparison
Chief Executives: Rochester vs Pasadena
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Rochester, MN
$177,283/yr
Pasadena, CA
$231,500/yr
Our recommendation: Pasadena, CA
Pasadena offers $2,000 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Rochester
Pasadena
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$177,283
$231,500
$54,217
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$10,785
$14,083
$3,298
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
89
138
-49 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,402
$3,700
$1,298
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,350
$2,350
$1,000
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$8,383
$10,383
$2,000
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
4.49×
3.81×
+0.68×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Rochester — Full Details
Pasadena — 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.