The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Patternmakers: Modesto vs Rockville

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

Best Value

Modesto, CA

$57,231/yr

Take-home$3,482/mo
Disposable$980/mo
Lifestyle5/10 ยท Tight

Rockville, MD

$66,192/yr

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

Our recommendation: Modesto, CA

Modesto offers $301 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Modesto

Rockville

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$57,231

$66,192

$8,961

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$3,482

$4,027

$545

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

93

125

-32 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,502

$3,348

$846

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,420

$2,050

$630

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$980

$679

+$301

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.39ร—

1.20ร—

+0.19ร—

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.