The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Database Architects: Auburn vs Lowell

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

Auburn, AL

$123,860/yr

Take-home$7,535/mo
Disposable$5,411/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
Best Value

Lowell, MA

$162,310/yr

Take-home$9,874/mo
Disposable$7,016/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Lowell, MA

Lowell offers $1,605 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Auburn

Lowell

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$123,860

$162,310

$38,450

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$7,535

$9,874

$2,339

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

82

106

-24 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,124

$2,858

$734

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,222

$1,650

$428

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$5,411

$7,016

$1,605

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

3.55ร—

3.45ร—

+0.10ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

10/10 (Comfortable)

10/10 (Comfortable)

+0

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.