The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Hardware Engineers: El Monte vs Las Vegas

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

Best Value

El Monte, CA

$140,890/yr

Take-home$8,571/mo
Disposable$5,761/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable

Las Vegas, NV

$102,340/yr

Take-home$6,226/mo
Disposable$3,656/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: El Monte, CA

El Monte offers $2,105 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

El Monte

Las Vegas

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$140,890

$102,340

+$38,550

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$8,571

$6,226

+$2,345

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

105

96

+9 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,810

$2,570

+$240

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,650

$1,470

+$180

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$5,761

$3,656

+$2,105

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

3.05ร—

2.42ร—

+0.63ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

10/10 (Comfortable)

8/10 (Comfortable)

+2

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.