The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Models: Lewiston vs Fremont

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

Best Value

Lewiston, ME

$51,299/yr

Take-home$3,121/mo
Disposable$997/mo
Lifestyle5/10 ยท Tight

Fremont, CA

$66,310/yr

Take-home$4,034/mo
Disposable$201/mo
Lifestyle3/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Lewiston, ME

Lewiston offers $796 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Lewiston

Fremont

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$51,299

$66,310

$15,011

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$3,121

$4,034

$913

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

82

143

-61 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,124

$3,833

$1,709

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,222

$2,450

$1,228

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$997

$201

+$796

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.47ร—

1.05ร—

+0.42ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

5/10 (Tight)

3/10 (Tight)

+2

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.