The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Electronics Engineers: Garland vs Birmingham

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

Best Value

Garland, TX

$130,780/yr

Take-home$7,956/mo
Disposable$5,551/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable

Birmingham, AL

$100,238/yr

Take-home$6,098/mo
Disposable$4,284/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Garland, TX

Garland offers $1,267 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Garland

Birmingham

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$130,780

$100,238

+$30,542

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$7,956

$6,098

+$1,858

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

90

70

+20 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,405

$1,814

+$591

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,350

$1,043

+$307

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$5,551

$4,284

+$1,267

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

3.31ร—

3.36ร—

-0.05ร—

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.