The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Pipelayers: Boulder vs Carrollton

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

Best Value

Boulder, CO

$67,319/yr

Take-home$4,095/mo
Disposable$692/mo
Lifestyle4/10 ยท Tight

Carrollton, TX

$47,240/yr

Take-home$2,874/mo
Disposable$297/mo
Lifestyle4/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Boulder, CO

Boulder offers $395 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Boulder

Carrollton

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$67,319

$47,240

+$20,079

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$4,095

$2,874

+$1,221

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

127

96

+31 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$3,403

$2,577

+$826

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$2,150

$1,480

+$670

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$692

$297

+$395

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.20ร—

1.12ร—

+0.08ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

4/10 (Tight)

4/10 (Tight)

+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.