The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Materials Scientists: Newton vs Springfield

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

Newton, MA

$118,010/yr

Take-home$7,179/mo
Disposable$3,344/mo
Lifestyle7/10 ยท Moderate
Best Value

Springfield, MA

$106,701/yr

Take-home$6,491/mo
Disposable$3,896/mo
Lifestyle9/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Springfield, MA

Springfield offers $552 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Newton

Springfield

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$118,010

$106,701

+$11,309

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$7,179

$6,491

+$688

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

$3,835

$2,595

+$1,240

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$2,206

$1,450

+$756

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$3,344

$3,896

$552

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.87ร—

2.50ร—

-0.63ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

7/10 (Moderate)

9/10 (Comfortable)

-2

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.