The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer: Sarasota vs Rockville

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

Best Value

Sarasota, FL

$40,230/yr

Take-home$2,447/mo
Disposable$-42/mo
Lifestyle3/10 ยท Tight

Rockville, MD

$52,365/yr

Take-home$3,186/mo
Disposable$-162/mo
Lifestyle3/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Sarasota, FL

Sarasota offers $120 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Sarasota

Rockville

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$40,230

$52,365

$12,135

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$2,447

$3,186

$739

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

96

125

-29 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,489

$3,348

$859

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,431

$2,050

$619

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$-42

$-162

+$120

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

0.98ร—

0.95ร—

+0.03ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

3/10 (Tight)

3/10 (Tight)

+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.