The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Hardware Engineers: Newton vs Hollywood

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

Best Value

Newton, MA

$170,570/yr

Take-home$10,376/mo
Disposable$6,541/mo
Lifestyle9/10 ยท Comfortable

Hollywood, FL

$105,270/yr

Take-home$6,404/mo
Disposable$3,436/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Newton, MA

Newton offers $3,105 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Newton

Hollywood

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$170,570

$105,270

+$65,300

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$10,376

$6,404

+$3,972

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

148

111

+37 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$3,835

$2,968

+$867

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$2,206

$1,780

+$426

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$6,541

$3,436

+$3,105

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.71ร—

2.16ร—

+0.55ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

9/10 (Comfortable)

8/10 (Comfortable)

+1

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.