Salary Comparison
Computer Hardware Engineers: Frederick vs Kansas City
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Frederick, MD
$148,730/yr
Kansas City, MO
$101,660/yr
Our recommendation: Frederick, MD
Frederick offers $2,401 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Frederick
Kansas City
Diff (A−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
105
84
+21 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,721
$2,258
+$463
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,565
$1,230
+$335
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$6,327
$3,926
+$2,401
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
3.33×
2.74×
+0.59×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
9/10 (Comfortable)
+1
A vs B
Frederick — Full Details
Salary estimates based on BLS metro data. Cost of living from regional price indices. All figures are estimates; verify with employers before making decisions.