The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Programmers: Lorain vs Boston

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

Best Value

Lorain, OH

$87,385/yr

Take-home$5,316/mo
Disposable$3,398/mo
Lifestyle9/10 ยท Comfortable

Boston, MA

$115,190/yr

Take-home$7,007/mo
Disposable$3,097/mo
Lifestyle7/10 ยท Moderate
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Lorain, OH

Lorain offers $301 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Lorain

Boston

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$87,385

$115,190

$27,805

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$5,316

$7,007

$1,691

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

74

146

-72 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$1,918

$3,910

$1,992

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,103

$2,490

$1,387

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$3,398

$3,097

+$301

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.77ร—

1.79ร—

+0.98ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

9/10 (Comfortable)

7/10 (Moderate)

+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.