Nominal salary tells you how much money you receive. Cost-of-living-adjusted salary tells you how much that money can actually buy. A $200,000 salary in San Francisco and a $140,000 salary in Austin can provide nearly identical purchasing power. Tax differences are not included.
Where Should I Live?
Nominal vs COL-Adjusted Salary
| # | Location | Median (Nominal) | COL Index | Adjusted | COL Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bothell, WA | $37,440 | 114.6 | $32,670 | #1 |
| 2 | Fremont, CA | $35,360 | 138.5 | $25,531 | #2 |
| 3 | Hyannis, MA | $27,914 | 146.5 | $19,054 | #7 (-4) |
| 4 | Irvine, CA | $24,960 | 138.5 | $18,022 | #9 (-5) |
| 5 | Orlando, FL | $22,880 | 102.8 | $22,257 | #3 (+2) |
| 6 | New Carrollton, MA | $21,362 | 146.5 | $14,582 | #11 (-5) |
| 7 | Ruskin, FL | $20,800 | 102.8 | $20,233 | #5 (+2) |
| 8 | DALLAS, TX | $18,720 | 92.7 | $20,194 | #6 (+2) |
| 9 | Memphis, TN | $18,720 | 90.3 | $20,731 | #4 (+5) |
| 10 | Alexandria, VA | $18,720 | 100.7 | $18,590 | #8 (+2) |
| 11 | Anderson, SC | $16,890 | 95.3 | $17,723 | #10 (+1) |
Key Insights
- The highest nominal salary for Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners is in Bothell, WA at $37,440, but after cost-of-living adjustment Bothell, WA offers the best purchasing power at $32,670 equivalent.
- Hidden gem: Memphis, TN ranks #9 by nominal pay but climbs to #4 once cost of living is factored in (up 5 spots), making its $18,720 go a lot further.
- Beware: Irvine, CA looks strong at #4 on nominal pay ($24,960) but its high cost of living drops it 5 spots to #9 on purchasing power.
Salary Check
Are you a Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners wondering if you are underpaid?
Compare your pay against government-filed salary data for this role.