The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Electronics Engineers: Garland vs Meridian

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

Meridian, ID

$99,890/yr

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

Our recommendation: Garland, TX

Garland offers $2,082 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Garland

Meridian

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$130,780

$99,890

+$30,890

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$7,956

$6,077

+$1,879

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

90

97

-7 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,405

$2,608

$203

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,350

$1,520

$170

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$5,551

$3,469

+$2,082

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

3.31ร—

2.33ร—

+0.98ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

10/10 (Comfortable)

8/10 (Comfortable)

+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.