The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Natural Sciences Managers: Bethlehem vs Somerville

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

Bethlehem, PA

$135,617/yr

Take-home$8,250/mo
Disposable$5,840/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
Best Value

Somerville, MA

$219,380/yr

Take-home$13,346/mo
Disposable$9,926/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Somerville, MA

Somerville offers $4,086 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Bethlehem

Somerville

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$135,617

$219,380

$83,763

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$8,250

$13,346

$5,096

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

93

132

-39 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,410

$3,420

$1,010

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,386

$1,967

$581

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$5,840

$9,926

$4,086

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

3.42ร—

3.90ร—

-0.48ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

10/10 (Comfortable)

10/10 (Comfortable)

+0

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.