The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Hardware Engineers: Arlington vs Richland

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

Arlington, TX

$130,450/yr

Take-home$7,936/mo
Disposable$5,569/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
Best Value

Richland, WA

$174,070/yr

Take-home$10,589/mo
Disposable$8,204/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Richland, WA

Richland offers $2,635 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Arlington

Richland

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$130,450

$174,070

$43,620

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$7,936

$10,589

$2,653

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

88

92

-4 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,367

$2,385

$18

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,320

$1,371

$51

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$5,569

$8,204

$2,635

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

3.35ร—

4.44ร—

-1.09ร—

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.