The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Hardware Engineers: Frederick vs Sunrise

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

Best Value

Frederick, MD

$148,730/yr

Take-home$9,048/mo
Disposable$6,327/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable

Sunrise, FL

$105,270/yr

Take-home$6,404/mo
Disposable$3,735/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Frederick, MD

Frederick offers $2,592 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Frederick

Sunrise

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$148,730

$105,270

+$43,460

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$9,048

$6,404

+$2,644

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

105

103

+2 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,721

$2,669

+$52

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,565

$1,535

+$30

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$6,327

$3,735

+$2,592

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

3.33ร—

2.40ร—

+0.93ร—

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.