Salary Comparison
Model Makers: Paterson vs Peoria
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Paterson, NJ
$76,563/yr
Peoria, AZ
$70,564/yr
Our recommendation: Paterson, NJ
Paterson offers $77 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Paterson
Peoria
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$76,563
$70,564
+$5,999
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$4,658
$4,293
+$365
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
106
96
+10 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,853
$2,565
+$288
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,650
$1,450
+$200
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$1,805
$1,728
+$77
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.63×
1.67×
-0.04×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
6/10 (Moderate)
6/10 (Moderate)
+0
A vs B
Paterson — Full Details
Peoria — 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.