The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Hardware Engineers: Lafayette vs Kent

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

Lafayette, LA

$114,098/yr

Take-home$6,941/mo
Disposable$4,996/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
Best Value

Kent, WA

$174,070/yr

Take-home$10,589/mo
Disposable$7,781/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Kent, WA

Kent offers $2,785 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Lafayette

Kent

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$114,098

$174,070

$59,972

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$6,941

$10,589

$3,648

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

75

105

-30 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$1,945

$2,808

$863

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,118

$1,650

$532

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$4,996

$7,781

$2,785

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

3.57ร—

3.77ร—

-0.20ร—

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.