Salary Comparison
Database Architects: Charleston vs Lowell
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Charleston, SC
$129,692/yr
Lowell, MA
$162,310/yr
Our recommendation: Lowell, MA
Lowell offers $1,224 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Charleston
Lowell
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$129,692
$162,310
$32,618
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$7,890
$9,874
$1,984
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
81
106
-25 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,098
$2,858
$760
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,207
$1,650
$443
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$5,792
$7,016
$1,224
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
3.76×
3.45×
+0.31×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Charleston — Full Details
Lowell — Full Details
Salary estimates based on BLS metro data. Cost of living from regional price indices. All figures are estimates; verify with employers before making decisions.