The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Hardware Engineers: Jackson vs Kirkland

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

Jackson, MS

$111,682/yr

Take-home$6,794/mo
Disposable$4,857/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
Best Value

Kirkland, WA

$174,070/yr

Take-home$10,589/mo
Disposable$7,272/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Kirkland, WA

Kirkland offers $2,415 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Jackson

Kirkland

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$111,682

$174,070

$62,388

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$6,794

$10,589

$3,795

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

72

128

-56 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$1,937

$3,317

$1,380

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$980

$1,908

$928

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$4,857

$7,272

$2,415

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

3.51ร—

3.19ร—

+0.32ร—

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.