The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Microbiologists: Fall River vs Arlington

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

Best Value

Fall River, MA

$124,580/yr

Take-home$7,579/mo
Disposable$5,107/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable

Arlington, TX

$61,730/yr

Take-home$3,755/mo
Disposable$1,388/mo
Lifestyle6/10 ยท Moderate
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Fall River, MA

Fall River offers $3,719 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Fall River

Arlington

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$124,580

$61,730

+$62,850

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$7,579

$3,755

+$3,824

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

92

88

+4 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,472

$2,367

+$105

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,350

$1,320

+$30

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$5,107

$1,388

+$3,719

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

3.07ร—

1.59ร—

+1.48ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

10/10 (Comfortable)

6/10 (Moderate)

+4

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.