The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators: Austin vs Tacoma

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

Austin, TX

$47,890/yr

Take-home$2,913/mo
Disposable$88/mo
Lifestyle3/10 ยท Tight
Best Value

Tacoma, WA

$104,120/yr

Take-home$6,334/mo
Disposable$3,564/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Tacoma, WA

Tacoma offers $3,476 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Austin

Tacoma

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$47,890

$104,120

$56,230

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$2,913

$6,334

$3,421

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

105

103

+2 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,825

$2,770

+$55

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,680

$1,620

+$60

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$88

$3,564

$3,476

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.03ร—

2.29ร—

-1.26ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

3/10 (Tight)

8/10 (Comfortable)

-5

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.