Salary Comparison
Patternmakers: Waukesha vs Carlsbad
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Waukesha, WI
$54,005/yr
Carlsbad, CA
$65,570/yr
Our recommendation: Waukesha, WI
Waukesha offers $839 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.
Full Breakdown
Waukesha
Carlsbad
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$54,005
$65,570
$11,565
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$3,285
$3,989
$704
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
88
142
-54 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,280
$3,823
$1,543
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,311
$2,450
$1,139
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$1,005
$166
+$839
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.44×
1.04×
+0.40×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
5/10 (Tight)
3/10 (Tight)
+2
A vs B
Waukesha — Full Details
Carlsbad — Full Details
Salary estimates based on BLS metro data. Cost of living from regional price indices. All figures are estimates; verify with employers before making decisions.