Salary Comparison
Materials Scientists: Baltimore vs Raleigh
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Baltimore, MD
$120,392/yr
Raleigh, NC
$80,010/yr
Our recommendation: Baltimore, MD
Baltimore offers $2,221 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Baltimore
Raleigh
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$120,392
$80,010
+$40,382
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$7,324
$4,867
+$2,457
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
108
95
+13 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,798
$2,562
+$236
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,610
$1,480
+$130
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$4,526
$2,305
+$2,221
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.62×
1.90×
+0.72×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
9/10 (Comfortable)
7/10 (Moderate)
+2
A vs B
Baltimore — Full Details
Raleigh — 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.