Salary Comparison
Separating: Nashville vs Pasadena
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Nashville, TN
$38,070/yr
Pasadena, CA
$61,550/yr
Our recommendation: Pasadena, CA
Pasadena offers $428 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Nashville
Pasadena
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$38,070
$61,550
$23,480
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$2,316
$3,744
$1,428
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
101
138
-37 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,700
$3,700
$1,000
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,590
$2,350
$760
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$-384
$44
$428
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
0.86×
1.01×
-0.15×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
2/10 (Tight)
3/10 (Tight)
-1
A vs B
Nashville — Full Details
Pasadena — Full Details
Salary estimates based on BLS metro data. Cost of living from regional price indices. All figures are estimates; verify with employers before making decisions.