The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Derrick Operators: Virginia Beach vs Boulder

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

Best Value

Virginia Beach, VA

$63,748/yr

Take-home$3,878/mo
Disposable$1,335/mo
Lifestyle6/10 ยท Moderate

Boulder, CO

$76,367/yr

Take-home$4,646/mo
Disposable$1,243/mo
Lifestyle5/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Virginia Beach, VA

Virginia Beach offers $92 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Virginia Beach

Boulder

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$63,748

$76,367

$12,619

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$3,878

$4,646

$768

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

95

127

-32 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,543

$3,403

$860

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,460

$2,150

$690

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$1,335

$1,243

+$92

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.52ร—

1.37ร—

+0.15ร—

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.