The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Electronics Engineers: Denver vs Meridian

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

Best Value

Denver, CO

$129,180/yr

Take-home$7,858/mo
Disposable$4,888/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: Denver, CO

Denver offers $1,419 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Denver

Meridian

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$129,180

$99,890

+$29,290

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$7,858

$6,077

+$1,781

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

111

97

+14 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,970

$2,608

+$362

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,780

$1,520

+$260

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$4,888

$3,469

+$1,419

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.65ร—

2.33ร—

+0.32ร—

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.