The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Hardware Engineers: Gainesville vs Tacoma

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

Gainesville, FL

$122,957/yr

Take-home$7,480/mo
Disposable$5,177/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
Best Value

Tacoma, WA

$174,070/yr

Take-home$10,589/mo
Disposable$7,819/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Tacoma, WA

Tacoma offers $2,642 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Gainesville

Tacoma

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$122,957

$174,070

$51,113

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$7,480

$10,589

$3,109

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

86

103

-17 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,303

$2,770

$467

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,250

$1,620

$370

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$5,177

$7,819

$2,642

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

3.25ร—

3.82ร—

-0.57ร—

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.