The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Purchasing Managers: Buffalo vs Lowell

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

Buffalo, NY

$122,049/yr

Take-home$7,425/mo
Disposable$5,287/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
Best Value

Lowell, MA

$170,900/yr

Take-home$10,396/mo
Disposable$7,538/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Lowell, MA

Lowell offers $2,251 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Buffalo

Lowell

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$122,049

$170,900

$48,851

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$7,425

$10,396

$2,971

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

80

106

-26 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,138

$2,858

$720

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,100

$1,650

$550

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$5,287

$7,538

$2,251

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

3.47ร—

3.64ร—

-0.17ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

10/10 (Comfortable)

10/10 (Comfortable)

+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.