The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Environmental Engineers: Berkeley vs Springfield

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

Berkeley, CA

$119,780/yr

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

Springfield, MA

$103,652/yr

Take-home$6,306/mo
Disposable$3,711/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Springfield, MA

Springfield offers $402 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Berkeley

Springfield

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$119,780

$103,652

+$16,128

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$7,287

$6,306

+$981

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

148

97

+51 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$3,978

$2,595

+$1,383

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$2,550

$1,450

+$1,100

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$3,309

$3,711

$402

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.83ร—

2.43ร—

-0.60ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

7/10 (Moderate)

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.