Salary Comparison
Sound Engineering Technicians: Kailua vs Kent
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Kailua, HI
$79,713/yr
Kent, WA
$119,600/yr
Our recommendation: Kent, WA
Kent offers $3,454 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Kailua
Kent
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$79,713
$119,600
$39,887
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$4,849
$7,276
$2,427
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
148
105
+43 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$3,835
$2,808
+$1,027
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$2,206
$1,650
+$556
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$1,014
$4,468
$3,454
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.26×
2.59×
-1.33×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
4/10 (Tight)
9/10 (Comfortable)
-5
A vs B
Kailua — 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.