The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Pipelayers: Pasadena vs Dallas

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

Best Value

Pasadena, CA

$82,090/yr

Take-home$4,994/mo
Disposable$1,294/mo
Lifestyle5/10 ยท Tight

Dallas, TX

$47,240/yr

Take-home$2,874/mo
Disposable$279/mo
Lifestyle4/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Pasadena, CA

Pasadena offers $1,015 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Pasadena

Dallas

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$82,090

$47,240

+$34,850

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$4,994

$2,874

+$2,120

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

138

97

+41 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$3,700

$2,595

+$1,105

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$2,350

$1,490

+$860

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$1,294

$279

+$1,015

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.35ร—

1.11ร—

+0.24ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

5/10 (Tight)

4/10 (Tight)

+1

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.