The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Pipelayers: Irving vs Berkeley

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

Irving, TX

$47,240/yr

Take-home$2,874/mo
Disposable$297/mo
Lifestyle4/10 ยท Tight
Best Value

Berkeley, CA

$82,090/yr

Take-home$4,994/mo
Disposable$1,016/mo
Lifestyle4/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Berkeley, CA

Berkeley offers $719 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Irving

Berkeley

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$47,240

$82,090

$34,850

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$2,874

$4,994

$2,120

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

96

148

-52 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,577

$3,978

$1,401

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,480

$2,550

$1,070

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$297

$1,016

$719

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.12ร—

1.26ร—

-0.14ร—

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.