The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Electrical: Bethlehem vs Richland

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

Bethlehem, PA

$39,846/yr

Take-home$2,424/mo
Disposable$14/mo
Lifestyle3/10 ยท Tight
Best Value

Richland, WA

$53,090/yr

Take-home$3,230/mo
Disposable$845/mo
Lifestyle5/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Richland, WA

Richland offers $831 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Bethlehem

Richland

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$39,846

$53,090

$13,244

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$2,424

$3,230

$806

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

93

92

+1 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,410

$2,385

+$25

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,386

$1,371

+$15

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$14

$845

$831

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.01ร—

1.35ร—

-0.34ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

3/10 (Tight)

5/10 (Tight)

-2

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.