The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Electronics Engineers: Elgin vs Vancouver

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

Elgin, IL

$120,042/yr

Take-home$7,303/mo
Disposable$4,896/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
Best Value

Vancouver, WA

$142,830/yr

Take-home$8,689/mo
Disposable$5,968/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Vancouver, WA

Vancouver offers $1,072 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Elgin

Vancouver

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$120,042

$142,830

$22,788

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$7,303

$8,689

$1,386

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

90

105

-15 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,407

$2,721

$314

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,350

$1,565

$215

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$4,896

$5,968

$1,072

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

3.03ร—

3.19ร—

-0.16ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

10/10 (Comfortable)

10/10 (Comfortable)

+0

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.