Salary Comparison
Helperscarpenters: Elgin vs Boulder
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Elgin, IL
$41,221/yr
Boulder, CO
$48,777/yr
Our recommendation: Elgin, IL
Elgin offers $537 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.
Full Breakdown
Elgin
Boulder
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$41,221
$48,777
$7,556
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$2,508
$2,967
$459
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
90
127
-37 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,407
$3,403
$996
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,350
$2,150
$800
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$101
$-436
+$537
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.04×
0.87×
+0.17×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
3/10 (Tight)
2/10 (Tight)
+1
A vs B
Elgin — Full Details
Boulder — 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.