The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Shipping: Lawrence vs Renton

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

Lawrence, KS

$39,966/yr

Take-home$2,431/mo
Disposable$177/mo
Lifestyle3/10 ยท Tight
Best Value

Renton, WA

$52,000/yr

Take-home$3,163/mo
Disposable$235/mo
Lifestyle3/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Renton, WA

Renton offers $58 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Lawrence

Renton

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$39,966

$52,000

$12,034

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$2,431

$3,163

$732

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

87

109

-22 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,254

$2,928

$674

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,296

$1,750

$454

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$177

$235

$58

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.08ร—

1.08ร—

+0.00ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

3/10 (Tight)

3/10 (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.