Salary Comparison
Patternmakers: Columbia vs Pasadena
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Columbia, MD
$66,192/yr
Pasadena, CA
$65,570/yr
Our recommendation: Columbia, MD
Columbia offers $405 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Columbia
Pasadena
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$66,192
$65,570
+$622
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$4,027
$3,989
+$38
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
124
138
-14 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$3,333
$3,700
$367
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$2,050
$2,350
$300
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$694
$289
+$405
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.21×
1.08×
+0.13×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
4/10 (Tight)
3/10 (Tight)
+1
A vs B
Columbia — Full Details
Pasadena — 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.