The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Database Administrators: Gresham vs Meridian

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

Best Value

Gresham, OR

$103,832/yr

Take-home$6,316/mo
Disposable$3,766/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable

Meridian, ID

$81,390/yr

Take-home$4,951/mo
Disposable$2,343/mo
Lifestyle7/10 ยท Moderate
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Gresham, OR

Gresham offers $1,423 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Gresham

Meridian

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$103,832

$81,390

+$22,442

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$6,316

$4,951

+$1,365

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

95

97

-2 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,550

$2,608

$58

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,450

$1,520

$70

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$3,766

$2,343

+$1,423

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.48ร—

1.90ร—

+0.58ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

8/10 (Comfortable)

7/10 (Moderate)

+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.