The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Models: Franklin vs Berkeley

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

Best Value

Franklin, TN

$55,095/yr

Take-home$3,352/mo
Disposable$735/mo
Lifestyle4/10 ยท Tight

Berkeley, CA

$66,310/yr

Take-home$4,034/mo
Disposable$56/mo
Lifestyle3/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Franklin, TN

Franklin offers $679 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Franklin

Berkeley

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$55,095

$66,310

$11,215

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$3,352

$4,034

$682

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

101

148

-47 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,617

$3,978

$1,361

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,505

$2,550

$1,045

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$735

$56

+$679

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.28ร—

1.01ร—

+0.27ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

4/10 (Tight)

3/10 (Tight)

+1

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.