The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Patternmakers: Herndon vs Laredo

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

Herndon, VA

$60,098/yr

Take-home$3,656/mo
Disposable$755/mo
Lifestyle4/10 ยท Tight
Best Value

Laredo, TX

$48,987/yr

Take-home$2,980/mo
Disposable$1,112/mo
Lifestyle6/10 ยท Moderate
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Laredo, TX

Laredo offers $357 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Herndon

Laredo

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$60,098

$48,987

+$11,111

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$3,656

$2,980

+$676

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

112

70

+42 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,901

$1,868

+$1,033

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,669

$950

+$719

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$755

$1,112

$357

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.26ร—

1.60ร—

-0.34ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

4/10 (Tight)

6/10 (Moderate)

-2

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.