The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Layout Workers: Carmel vs Santa Rosa

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

Carmel, IN

$68,576/yr

Take-home$4,172/mo
Disposable$1,432/mo
Lifestyle6/10 ยท Moderate
Best Value

Santa Rosa, CA

$80,246/yr

Take-home$4,882/mo
Disposable$1,677/mo
Lifestyle6/10 ยท Moderate
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Santa Rosa, CA

Santa Rosa offers $245 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Carmel

Santa Rosa

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$68,576

$80,246

$11,670

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$4,172

$4,882

$710

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

102

119

-17 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,740

$3,205

$465

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,620

$1,950

$330

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$1,432

$1,677

$245

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.52ร—

1.52ร—

+0.00ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

6/10 (Moderate)

6/10 (Moderate)

+0

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.