The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Mathematicians: Peoria vs Berkeley

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

Best Value

Peoria, AZ

$127,774/yr

Take-home$7,773/mo
Disposable$5,208/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable

Berkeley, CA

$149,150/yr

Take-home$9,073/mo
Disposable$5,095/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Peoria, AZ

Peoria offers $113 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Peoria

Berkeley

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$127,774

$149,150

$21,376

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$7,773

$9,073

$1,300

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

96

148

-52 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,565

$3,978

$1,413

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,450

$2,550

$1,100

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$5,208

$5,095

+$113

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

3.03ร—

2.28ร—

+0.75ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

10/10 (Comfortable)

8/10 (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.