The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Patternmakers: Fremont vs Saginaw

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

Fremont, CA

$65,570/yr

Take-home$3,989/mo
Disposable$156/mo
Lifestyle3/10 ยท Tight
Best Value

Saginaw, MI

$49,704/yr

Take-home$3,024/mo
Disposable$1,157/mo
Lifestyle6/10 ยท Moderate
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Saginaw, MI

Saginaw offers $1,001 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Fremont

Saginaw

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$65,570

$49,704

+$15,866

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$3,989

$3,024

+$965

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

143

72

+71 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$3,833

$1,867

+$1,966

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$2,450

$1,073

+$1,377

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$156

$1,157

$1,001

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.04ร—

1.62ร—

-0.58ร—

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.