The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Helpers: Buffalo vs Renton

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

Buffalo, NY

$40,097/yr

Take-home$2,439/mo
Disposable$301/mo
Lifestyle4/10 ยท Tight
Best Value

Renton, WA

$74,430/yr

Take-home$4,528/mo
Disposable$1,600/mo
Lifestyle6/10 ยท Moderate
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Renton, WA

Renton offers $1,299 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Buffalo

Renton

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$40,097

$74,430

$34,333

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$2,439

$4,528

$2,089

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

80

109

-29 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,138

$2,928

$790

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,100

$1,750

$650

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$301

$1,600

$1,299

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.14ร—

1.55ร—

-0.41ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

4/10 (Tight)

6/10 (Moderate)

-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.