Salary Comparison
Computer Hardware Engineers: Joliet vs Tacoma
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Joliet, IL
$131,817/yr
Tacoma, WA
$174,070/yr
Our recommendation: Tacoma, WA
Tacoma offers $2,207 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Joliet
Tacoma
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$131,817
$174,070
$42,253
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$8,019
$10,589
$2,570
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
90
103
-13 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,407
$2,770
$363
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,350
$1,620
$270
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$5,612
$7,819
$2,207
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
3.33×
3.82×
-0.49×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Joliet — 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.