The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Hardware Engineers: Baltimore vs Kansas City

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

Best Value

Baltimore, MD

$148,730/yr

Take-home$9,048/mo
Disposable$6,250/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable

Kansas City, MO

$101,660/yr

Take-home$6,184/mo
Disposable$3,926/mo
Lifestyle9/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Baltimore, MD

Baltimore offers $2,324 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Baltimore

Kansas City

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$148,730

$101,660

+$47,070

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$9,048

$6,184

+$2,864

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

108

84

+24 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,798

$2,258

+$540

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,610

$1,230

+$380

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$6,250

$3,926

+$2,324

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

3.23ร—

2.74ร—

+0.49ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

10/10 (Comfortable)

9/10 (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.