The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Lighting Technicians: Barre vs Renton

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

Barre, VT

$64,528/yr

Take-home$3,925/mo
Disposable$1,723/mo
Lifestyle7/10 ยท Moderate
Best Value

Renton, WA

$120,610/yr

Take-home$7,337/mo
Disposable$4,409/mo
Lifestyle9/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Renton, WA

Renton offers $2,686 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Barre

Renton

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$64,528

$120,610

$56,082

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$3,925

$7,337

$3,412

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

85

109

-24 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,202

$2,928

$726

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,267

$1,750

$483

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$1,723

$4,409

$2,686

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.78ร—

2.51ร—

-0.73ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

7/10 (Moderate)

9/10 (Comfortable)

-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.