The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Mathematicians: Pasadena vs Springfield

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

Pasadena, CA

$149,150/yr

Take-home$9,073/mo
Disposable$5,373/mo
Lifestyle8/10 · Comfortable

Springfield, MA

$126,998/yr

Take-home$7,726/mo
Disposable$5,131/mo
Lifestyle9/10 · Comfortable

Full Breakdown

Pasadena

Springfield

Diff (A−B)

Annual Gross Salary

$149,150

$126,998

+$22,152

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$9,073

$7,726

+$1,347

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

138

97

+41 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$3,700

$2,595

+$1,105

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$2,350

$1,450

+$900

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$5,373

$5,131

+$242

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better

2.45×

2.98×

-0.53×

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

8/10 (Comfortable)

9/10 (Comfortable)

-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.