The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Patternmakers: Appleton vs Annapolis

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

Best Value

Appleton, WI

$54,005/yr

Take-home$3,285/mo
Disposable$1,058/mo
Lifestyle5/10 ยท Tight

Annapolis, MD

$66,192/yr

Take-home$4,027/mo
Disposable$1,047/mo
Lifestyle5/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Appleton, WI

Appleton offers $11 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Appleton

Annapolis

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$54,005

$66,192

$12,187

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$3,285

$4,027

$742

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

86

115

-29 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,227

$2,980

$753

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,281

$1,714

$433

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$1,058

$1,047

+$11

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.48ร—

1.35ร—

+0.13ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

5/10 (Tight)

5/10 (Tight)

+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.