The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Patternmakers: Las Cruces vs Rockville

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

Best Value

Las Cruces, NM

$50,421/yr

Take-home$3,067/mo
Disposable$1,149/mo
Lifestyle6/10 ยท Moderate

Rockville, MD

$66,192/yr

Take-home$4,027/mo
Disposable$679/mo
Lifestyle4/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Las Cruces, NM

Las Cruces offers $470 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Las Cruces

Rockville

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$50,421

$66,192

$15,771

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$3,067

$4,027

$960

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

74

125

-51 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$1,918

$3,348

$1,430

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,103

$2,050

$947

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$1,149

$679

+$470

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.60ร—

1.20ร—

+0.40ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

6/10 (Moderate)

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.