The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Hardware Engineers: Medford vs Renton

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

Medford, MA

$170,570/yr

Take-home$10,376/mo
Disposable$7,320/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
Best Value

Renton, WA

$174,070/yr

Take-home$10,589/mo
Disposable$7,661/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Renton, WA

Renton offers $341 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Medford

Renton

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$170,570

$174,070

$3,500

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$10,376

$10,589

$213

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

118

109

+9 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$3,056

$2,928

+$128

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,758

$1,750

+$8

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$7,320

$7,661

$341

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

3.40ร—

3.62ร—

-0.22ร—

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.