The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Patternmakers: Lexington vs Los Angeles

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

Best Value

Lexington, KY

$51,854/yr

Take-home$3,154/mo
Disposable$1,056/mo
Lifestyle6/10 ยท Tight

Los Angeles, CA

$65,570/yr

Take-home$3,989/mo
Disposable$249/mo
Lifestyle3/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Lexington, KY

Lexington offers $807 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Lexington

Los Angeles

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$51,854

$65,570

$13,716

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$3,154

$3,989

$835

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

78

139

-61 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,098

$3,740

$1,642

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,120

$2,380

$1,260

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$1,056

$249

+$807

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.50ร—

1.07ร—

+0.43ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

6/10 (Tight)

3/10 (Tight)

+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.