Salary Comparison
Model Makers: Paterson vs Minneapolis
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Paterson, NJ
$76,563/yr
Minneapolis, MN
$51,100/yr
Our recommendation: Paterson, NJ
Paterson offers $1,299 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Paterson
Minneapolis
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$76,563
$51,100
+$25,463
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$4,658
$3,109
+$1,549
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
106
97
+9 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,853
$2,603
+$250
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,650
$1,480
+$170
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$1,805
$506
+$1,299
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.63×
1.19×
+0.44×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
6/10 (Moderate)
4/10 (Tight)
+2
A vs B
Paterson — Full Details
Minneapolis — Full Details
Salary estimates based on BLS metro data. Cost of living from regional price indices. All figures are estimates; verify with employers before making decisions.