The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Patternmakers: Berkeley vs Wichita Falls

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

Berkeley, CA

$65,570/yr

Take-home$3,989/mo
Disposable$11/mo
Lifestyle3/10 ยท Tight
Best Value

Wichita Falls, TX

$48,628/yr

Take-home$2,958/mo
Disposable$1,110/mo
Lifestyle6/10 ยท Moderate
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Wichita Falls, TX

Wichita Falls offers $1,099 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Berkeley

Wichita Falls

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$65,570

$48,628

+$16,942

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$3,989

$2,958

+$1,031

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

148

69

+79 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$3,978

$1,848

+$2,130

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$2,550

$920

+$1,630

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$11

$1,110

$1,099

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.00ร—

1.60ร—

-0.60ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

3/10 (Tight)

6/10 (Moderate)

-3

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.