The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Patternmakers: Schenectady vs Laredo

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

Best Value

Schenectady, NY

$64,400/yr

Take-home$3,918/mo
Disposable$1,586/mo
Lifestyle6/10 ยท Moderate

Laredo, TX

$48,987/yr

Take-home$2,980/mo
Disposable$1,112/mo
Lifestyle6/10 ยท Moderate
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Schenectady, NY

Schenectady offers $474 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Schenectady

Laredo

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$64,400

$48,987

+$15,413

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$3,918

$2,980

+$938

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

90

70

+20 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,332

$1,868

+$464

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,341

$950

+$391

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$1,586

$1,112

+$474

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.68ร—

1.60ร—

+0.08ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

6/10 (Moderate)

6/10 (Moderate)

+0

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.