The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Database Architects: Duluth vs Lowell

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

Duluth, MN

$133,857/yr

Take-home$8,143/mo
Disposable$5,926/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 $1,090 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Duluth

Lowell

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$133,857

$162,310

$28,453

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$8,143

$9,874

$1,731

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

83

106

-23 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,217

$2,858

$641

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,180

$1,650

$470

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$5,926

$7,016

$1,090

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

3.67ร—

3.45ร—

+0.22ร—

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.