The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Weighers: Fort Smith vs Frederick

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

Best Value

Fort Smith, AR

$40,503/yr

Take-home$2,464/mo
Disposable$444/mo
Lifestyle4/10 ยท Tight

Frederick, MD

$51,703/yr

Take-home$3,145/mo
Disposable$424/mo
Lifestyle4/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Fort Smith, AR

Fort Smith offers $20 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Fort Smith

Frederick

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$40,503

$51,703

$11,200

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$2,464

$3,145

$681

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

78

105

-27 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,020

$2,721

$701

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,162

$1,565

$403

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$444

$424

+$20

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.22ร—

1.16ร—

+0.06ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

4/10 (Tight)

4/10 (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.