The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Microbiologists: Cranston vs Newton

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

Cranston, RI

$82,140/yr

Take-home$4,997/mo
Disposable$2,354/mo
Lifestyle7/10 ยท Moderate
Best Value

Newton, MA

$124,580/yr

Take-home$7,579/mo
Disposable$3,744/mo
Lifestyle7/10 ยท Moderate
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Newton, MA

Newton offers $1,390 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Cranston

Newton

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$82,140

$124,580

$42,440

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$4,997

$7,579

$2,582

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

102

148

-46 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,643

$3,835

$1,192

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,520

$2,206

$686

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$2,354

$3,744

$1,390

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.89ร—

1.98ร—

-0.09ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

7/10 (Moderate)

7/10 (Moderate)

+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.