The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Production Workers: Chattanooga vs Boston

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

Best Value

Chattanooga, TN

$39,278/yr

Take-home$2,389/mo
Disposable$149/mo
Lifestyle3/10 ยท Tight

Boston, MA

$47,210/yr

Take-home$2,872/mo
Disposable$-1,038/mo
Lifestyle2/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Chattanooga, TN

Chattanooga offers $1,187 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Chattanooga

Boston

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$39,278

$47,210

$7,932

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$2,389

$2,872

$483

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

83

146

-63 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,240

$3,910

$1,670

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,220

$2,490

$1,270

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$149

$-1,038

+$1,187

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.07ร—

0.73ร—

+0.34ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

3/10 (Tight)

2/10 (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.