The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Managers: Boulder vs West Palm Beach

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

Best Value

Boulder, CO

$160,408/yr

Take-home$9,758/mo
Disposable$6,355/mo
Lifestyle9/10 ยท Comfortable

West Palm Beach, FL

$105,000/yr

Take-home$6,388/mo
Disposable$3,290/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Boulder, CO

Boulder offers $3,065 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Boulder

West Palm Beach

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$160,408

$105,000

+$55,408

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$9,758

$6,388

+$3,370

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

127

115

+12 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$3,403

$3,098

+$305

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$2,150

$1,880

+$270

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$6,355

$3,290

+$3,065

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.87ร—

2.06ร—

+0.81ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

9/10 (Comfortable)

8/10 (Comfortable)

+1

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.