The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Multiple Machine Tool Setters: Meridian vs Denton

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

Meridian, ID

$39,900/yr

Take-home$2,427/mo
Disposable$-181/mo
Lifestyle3/10 ยท Tight
Best Value

Denton, TX

$77,520/yr

Take-home$4,716/mo
Disposable$2,176/mo
Lifestyle7/10 ยท Moderate
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Denton, TX

Denton offers $2,357 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Meridian

Denton

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$39,900

$77,520

$37,620

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$2,427

$4,716

$2,289

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

97

95

+2 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,608

$2,540

+$68

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,520

$1,450

+$70

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$-181

$2,176

$2,357

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

0.93ร—

1.86ร—

-0.93ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

3/10 (Tight)

7/10 (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.