The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Patternmakers: Springfield vs Fremont

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

Best Value

Springfield, MA

$58,665/yr

Take-home$3,569/mo
Disposable$974/mo
Lifestyle5/10 ยท Tight

Fremont, CA

$65,570/yr

Take-home$3,989/mo
Disposable$156/mo
Lifestyle3/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Springfield, MA

Springfield offers $818 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Springfield

Fremont

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$58,665

$65,570

$6,905

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$3,569

$3,989

$420

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

97

143

-46 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,595

$3,833

$1,238

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,450

$2,450

$1,000

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$974

$156

+$818

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.38ร—

1.04ร—

+0.34ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

5/10 (Tight)

3/10 (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.