Salary Comparison
Machinists: Allen vs Boulder
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Allen, TX
$54,297/yr
Boulder, CO
$68,879/yr
Our recommendation: Boulder, CO
Boulder offers $249 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Allen
Boulder
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$54,297
$68,879
$14,582
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$3,303
$4,190
$887
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
103
127
-24 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,765
$3,403
$638
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,620
$2,150
$530
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$538
$787
$249
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.19×
1.23×
-0.04×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
4/10 (Tight)
4/10 (Tight)
+0
A vs B
Allen — 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.