The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Patternmakers: Iowa City vs Oxnard

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

Best Value

Iowa City, IA

$56,514/yr

Take-home$3,438/mo
Disposable$1,080/mo
Lifestyle5/10 ยท Tight

Oxnard, CA

$66,909/yr

Take-home$4,070/mo
Disposable$840/mo
Lifestyle4/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Iowa City, IA

Iowa City offers $240 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Iowa City

Oxnard

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$56,514

$66,909

$10,395

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$3,438

$4,070

$632

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

91

120

-29 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,358

$3,230

$872

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,356

$1,980

$624

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$1,080

$840

+$240

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.46ร—

1.26ร—

+0.20ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

5/10 (Tight)

4/10 (Tight)

+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.