The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Hardware Engineers: Maple Grove vs Medford

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

Maple Grove, MN

$129,401/yr

Take-home$7,872/mo
Disposable$5,360/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
Best Value

Medford, MA

$170,570/yr

Take-home$10,376/mo
Disposable$7,320/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Medford, MA

Medford offers $1,960 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Maple Grove

Medford

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$129,401

$170,570

$41,169

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$7,872

$10,376

$2,504

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

97

118

-21 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,512

$3,056

$544

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,445

$1,758

$313

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$5,360

$7,320

$1,960

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

3.13ร—

3.40ร—

-0.27ร—

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.