The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Electronics Engineers: Baltimore vs Meridian

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

Best Value

Baltimore, MD

$135,444/yr

Take-home$8,240/mo
Disposable$5,442/mo
Lifestyle9/10 ยท Comfortable

Meridian, ID

$99,890/yr

Take-home$6,077/mo
Disposable$3,469/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Baltimore, MD

Baltimore offers $1,973 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Baltimore

Meridian

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$135,444

$99,890

+$35,554

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$8,240

$6,077

+$2,163

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

108

97

+11 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,798

$2,608

+$190

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,610

$1,520

+$90

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$5,442

$3,469

+$1,973

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.94ร—

2.33ร—

+0.61ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

9/10 (Comfortable)

8/10 (Comfortable)

+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.