The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Derrick Operators: Sioux City vs Washington

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

Best Value

Sioux City, IA

$57,834/yr

Take-home$3,518/mo
Disposable$1,446/mo
Lifestyle6/10 ยท Moderate

Washington, DC

$78,338/yr

Take-home$4,766/mo
Disposable$1,211/mo
Lifestyle5/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Sioux City, IA

Sioux City offers $235 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Sioux City

Washington

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$57,834

$78,338

$20,504

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$3,518

$4,766

$1,248

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

80

132

-52 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,072

$3,555

$1,483

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,192

$2,180

$988

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$1,446

$1,211

+$235

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.70ร—

1.34ร—

+0.36ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

6/10 (Moderate)

5/10 (Tight)

+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.