The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Hardware Engineers: Burlington vs Medford

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

Burlington, VT

$127,790/yr

Take-home$7,774/mo
Disposable$5,235/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
Best Value

Medford, MA

$170,570/yr

Take-home$10,376/mo
Disposable$7,320/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Medford, MA

Medford offers $2,085 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Burlington

Medford

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$127,790

$170,570

$42,780

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$7,774

$10,376

$2,602

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

98

118

-20 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,539

$3,056

$517

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,460

$1,758

$298

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$5,235

$7,320

$2,085

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

3.06ร—

3.40ร—

-0.34ร—

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.