The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Tapers: Rochester vs Denton

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

Best Value

Rochester, MN

$74,170/yr

Take-home$4,512/mo
Disposable$2,110/mo
Lifestyle7/10 ยท Moderate

Denton, TX

$46,400/yr

Take-home$2,823/mo
Disposable$283/mo
Lifestyle4/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Rochester, MN

Rochester offers $1,827 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Rochester

Denton

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$74,170

$46,400

+$27,770

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$4,512

$2,823

+$1,689

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

89

95

-6 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,402

$2,540

$138

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,350

$1,450

$100

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$2,110

$283

+$1,827

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.88ร—

1.11ร—

+0.77ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

7/10 (Moderate)

4/10 (Tight)

+3

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.