Salary Comparison
Human Resources Managers: Columbia vs Lowell
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Columbia, MD
$153,807/yr
Lowell, MA
$180,050/yr
Our recommendation: Lowell, MA
Lowell offers $2,071 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Columbia
Lowell
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$153,807
$180,050
$26,243
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$9,357
$10,953
$1,596
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
124
106
+18 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$3,333
$2,858
+$475
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$2,050
$1,650
+$400
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$6,024
$8,095
$2,071
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.81×
3.83×
-1.02×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
9/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
-1
A vs B
Columbia — 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.