The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Patternmakers: Idaho Falls vs Bethesda

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

Best Value

Idaho Falls, ID

$54,363/yr

Take-home$3,307/mo
Disposable$1,105/mo
Lifestyle6/10 ยท Tight

Bethesda, MD

$66,192/yr

Take-home$4,027/mo
Disposable$452/mo
Lifestyle4/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Idaho Falls, ID

Idaho Falls offers $653 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Idaho Falls

Bethesda

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$54,363

$66,192

$11,829

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$3,307

$4,027

$720

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

85

138

-53 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,202

$3,575

$1,373

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,267

$2,056

$789

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$1,105

$452

+$653

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.50ร—

1.13ร—

+0.37ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

6/10 (Tight)

4/10 (Tight)

+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.