Salary Comparison
Geological Technicians: Mesa vs Pasadena
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Mesa, AZ
$52,210/yr
Pasadena, CA
$63,160/yr
Our recommendation: Mesa, AZ
Mesa offers $516 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.
Full Breakdown
Mesa
Pasadena
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$52,210
$63,160
$10,950
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$3,176
$3,842
$666
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
94
138
-44 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,518
$3,700
$1,182
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,420
$2,350
$930
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$658
$142
+$516
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.26×
1.04×
+0.22×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
4/10 (Tight)
3/10 (Tight)
+1
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.