The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Rolling Machine Setters: Cedar Rapids vs Hilo

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

Best Value

Cedar Rapids, IA

$42,813/yr

Take-home$2,604/mo
Disposable$591/mo
Lifestyle4/10 ยท Tight

Hilo, HI

$62,456/yr

Take-home$3,799/mo
Disposable$431/mo
Lifestyle4/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Cedar Rapids, IA

Cedar Rapids offers $160 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Cedar Rapids

Hilo

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$42,813

$62,456

$19,643

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$2,604

$3,799

$1,195

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

75

130

-55 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,013

$3,368

$1,355

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,050

$1,937

$887

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$591

$431

+$160

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.29ร—

1.13ร—

+0.16ร—

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.