The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Makeup Artists: Berkeley vs Springfield

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

Best Value

Berkeley, CA

$132,900/yr

Take-home$8,085/mo
Disposable$4,107/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable

Springfield, MA

$104,797/yr

Take-home$6,375/mo
Disposable$3,780/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Berkeley, CA

Berkeley offers $327 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Berkeley

Springfield

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$132,900

$104,797

+$28,103

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$8,085

$6,375

+$1,710

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

148

97

+51 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$3,978

$2,595

+$1,383

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$2,550

$1,450

+$1,100

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$4,107

$3,780

+$327

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.03ร—

2.46ร—

-0.43ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

8/10 (Comfortable)

8/10 (Comfortable)

+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.