The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Materials Scientists: Hackensack vs Raleigh

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

Best Value

Hackensack, NJ

$116,480/yr

Take-home$7,086/mo
Disposable$4,185/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable

Raleigh, NC

$80,010/yr

Take-home$4,867/mo
Disposable$2,305/mo
Lifestyle7/10 ยท Moderate
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Hackensack, NJ

Hackensack offers $1,880 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Hackensack

Raleigh

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$116,480

$80,010

+$36,470

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$7,086

$4,867

+$2,219

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

112

95

+17 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,901

$2,562

+$339

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,669

$1,480

+$189

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$4,185

$2,305

+$1,880

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.44ร—

1.90ร—

+0.54ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

8/10 (Comfortable)

7/10 (Moderate)

+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.