The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Environmental Engineers: Berkeley vs Boise

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

Best Value

Berkeley, CA

$119,780/yr

Take-home$7,287/mo
Disposable$3,309/mo
Lifestyle7/10 ยท Moderate

Boise, ID

$73,200/yr

Take-home$4,453/mo
Disposable$1,886/mo
Lifestyle6/10 ยท Moderate
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Berkeley, CA

Berkeley offers $1,423 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Berkeley

Boise

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$119,780

$73,200

+$46,580

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$7,287

$4,453

+$2,834

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

148

96

+52 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$3,978

$2,567

+$1,411

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$2,550

$1,490

+$1,060

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$3,309

$1,886

+$1,423

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.83ร—

1.73ร—

+0.10ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

7/10 (Moderate)

6/10 (Moderate)

+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.