The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Compensation: Duluth vs Newton

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

Best Value

Duluth, MN

$74,282/yr

Take-home$4,519/mo
Disposable$2,302/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable

Newton, MA

$92,180/yr

Take-home$5,608/mo
Disposable$1,773/mo
Lifestyle5/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Duluth, MN

Duluth offers $529 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Duluth

Newton

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$74,282

$92,180

$17,898

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$4,519

$5,608

$1,089

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

$2,217

$3,835

$1,618

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,180

$2,206

$1,026

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$2,302

$1,773

+$529

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.04ร—

1.46ร—

+0.58ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

8/10 (Comfortable)

5/10 (Tight)

+3

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.