The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Patternmakers: Cranston vs Dayton

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

Cranston, RI

$59,740/yr

Take-home$3,634/mo
Disposable$991/mo
Lifestyle5/10 ยท Tight
Best Value

Dayton, OH

$49,704/yr

Take-home$3,024/mo
Disposable$1,087/mo
Lifestyle6/10 ยท Moderate
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Dayton, OH

Dayton offers $96 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Cranston

Dayton

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$59,740

$49,704

+$10,036

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$3,634

$3,024

+$610

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

102

72

+30 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,643

$1,937

+$706

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,520

$980

+$540

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$991

$1,087

$96

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.37ร—

1.56ร—

-0.19ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

5/10 (Tight)

6/10 (Moderate)

-1

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.