Salary Comparison
Patternmakers: Appleton vs San Diego
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Appleton, WI
$54,005/yr
San Diego, CA
$71,569/yr
Our recommendation: Appleton, WI
Appleton offers $269 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.
Full Breakdown
Appleton
San Diego
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$54,005
$71,569
$17,564
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$3,285
$4,354
$1,069
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
86
133
-47 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,227
$3,565
$1,338
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,281
$2,250
$969
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$1,058
$789
+$269
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.48×
1.22×
+0.26×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
5/10 (Tight)
4/10 (Tight)
+1
A vs B
Appleton — Full Details
San Diego — Full Details
Salary estimates based on BLS metro data. Cost of living from regional price indices. All figures are estimates; verify with employers before making decisions.