Salary Comparison
Environmental Engineers: Mesa vs Meridian
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Mesa, AZ
$104,285/yr
Meridian, ID
$73,200/yr
Our recommendation: Mesa, AZ
Mesa offers $1,981 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Mesa
Meridian
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$104,285
$73,200
+$31,085
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$6,344
$4,453
+$1,891
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
94
97
-3 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,518
$2,608
$90
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,420
$1,520
$100
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$3,826
$1,845
+$1,981
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.52×
1.71×
+0.81×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
9/10 (Comfortable)
6/10 (Moderate)
+3
A vs B
Mesa — Full Details
Salary estimates based on BLS metro data. Cost of living from regional price indices. All figures are estimates; verify with employers before making decisions.