The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Patternmakers: Utica vs Kailua

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

Best Value

Utica, NY

$54,005/yr

Take-home$3,285/mo
Disposable$1,108/mo
Lifestyle6/10 ยท Moderate

Kailua, HI

$74,078/yr

Take-home$4,506/mo
Disposable$671/mo
Lifestyle4/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Utica, NY

Utica offers $437 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Utica

Kailua

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$54,005

$74,078

$20,073

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$3,285

$4,506

$1,221

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

84

148

-64 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,177

$3,835

$1,658

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,252

$2,206

$954

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$1,108

$671

+$437

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.51ร—

1.17ร—

+0.34ร—

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.