Salary Comparison
Materials Scientists: Bellevue vs Hilo
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Bellevue, WA
$119,300/yr
Hilo, HI
$134,735/yr
Our recommendation: Hilo, HI
Hilo offers $1,411 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Bellevue
Hilo
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$119,300
$134,735
$15,435
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$7,257
$8,196
$939
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
143
130
+13 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$3,840
$3,368
+$472
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$2,450
$1,937
+$513
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$3,417
$4,828
$1,411
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.89×
2.43×
-0.54×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
7/10 (Moderate)
8/10 (Comfortable)
-1
A vs B
Bellevue — 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.