The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Patternmakers: Elgin vs Hilo

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

Best Value

Elgin, IL

$58,665/yr

Take-home$3,569/mo
Disposable$1,162/mo
Lifestyle5/10 ยท Tight

Hilo, HI

$74,078/yr

Take-home$4,506/mo
Disposable$1,138/mo
Lifestyle5/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Elgin, IL

Elgin offers $24 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Elgin

Hilo

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$58,665

$74,078

$15,413

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$3,569

$4,506

$937

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

90

130

-40 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,407

$3,368

$961

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,350

$1,937

$587

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$1,162

$1,138

+$24

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.48ร—

1.34ร—

+0.14ร—

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.