The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Ship Engineers: Independence vs New Bedford

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

Independence, MO

$104,671/yr

Take-home$6,368/mo
Disposable$4,308/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
Best Value

New Bedford, MA

$147,760/yr

Take-home$8,989/mo
Disposable$6,398/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: New Bedford, MA

New Bedford offers $2,090 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Independence

New Bedford

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$104,671

$147,760

$43,089

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$6,368

$8,989

$2,621

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

77

100

-23 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,060

$2,591

$531

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,080

$1,490

$410

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$4,308

$6,398

$2,090

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

3.09ร—

3.47ร—

-0.38ร—

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.