The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Mathematicians: Milwaukee vs Kirkland

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

Milwaukee, WI

$117,687/yr

Take-home$7,159/mo
Disposable$4,884/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
Best Value

Kirkland, WA

$176,000/yr

Take-home$10,707/mo
Disposable$7,390/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Kirkland, WA

Kirkland offers $2,506 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Milwaukee

Kirkland

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$117,687

$176,000

$58,313

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$7,159

$10,707

$3,548

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

85

128

-43 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,275

$3,317

$1,042

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,240

$1,908

$668

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$4,884

$7,390

$2,506

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

3.15ร—

3.23ร—

-0.08ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

10/10 (Comfortable)

10/10 (Comfortable)

+0

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.