The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers: Charleston vs Somerville

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

Best Value

Charleston, SC

$66,314/yr

Take-home$4,034/mo
Disposable$1,936/mo
Lifestyle7/10 ยท Moderate

Somerville, MA

$81,000/yr

Take-home$4,928/mo
Disposable$1,508/mo
Lifestyle5/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Charleston, SC

Charleston offers $428 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Charleston

Somerville

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$66,314

$81,000

$14,686

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$4,034

$4,928

$894

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

81

132

-51 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,098

$3,420

$1,322

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,207

$1,967

$760

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$1,936

$1,508

+$428

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.92ร—

1.44ร—

+0.48ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

7/10 (Moderate)

5/10 (Tight)

+2

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.