The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Hardware Engineers: Allen vs Somerville

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

Allen, TX

$122,957/yr

Take-home$7,480/mo
Disposable$4,715/mo
Lifestyle9/10 ยท Comfortable
Best Value

Somerville, MA

$170,570/yr

Take-home$10,376/mo
Disposable$6,956/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Somerville, MA

Somerville offers $2,241 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Allen

Somerville

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$122,957

$170,570

$47,613

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$7,480

$10,376

$2,896

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

103

132

-29 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,765

$3,420

$655

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,620

$1,967

$347

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$4,715

$6,956

$2,241

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.71ร—

3.03ร—

-0.32ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

9/10 (Comfortable)

10/10 (Comfortable)

-1

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.