Higher salary, weaker benefits
Offer A pays +$8k but has weak 401(k) match and health coverage.
Offer B can still win on annual total value.
Offer comparison
Salary comparison by job offer and city
Compare up to three offers using salary, bonus, equity, benefits, and cost of living so you can see which package actually improves your situation.
No signup requiredTotal compensation viewUseful for cross-city offers
Quick tip: the lower base salary can still be the better offer if the benefits, remote setup, or city cost of living are meaningfully better.
What it compares
Total compensation
Salary, bonus, equity, and benefits
City context
Cost of living
Useful when offers sit in different markets
Clearer decision
Best overall offer
Avoid choosing only by base pay
Financial Calculator
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💡 Key Factors When Comparing Offers
💰 Total Compensation
- • Base salary
- • Fixed bonuses
- • Stock options/RSUs
- • Signing bonus
🏥 Benefits
- • Health/dental insurance
- • 401k match
- • Vacation days
- • Parental leave
📈 Growth
- • Promotion opportunities
- • Education budget
- • Mentorship
- • Growing industry
⚖️ Work-Life Balance
- • Remote work
- • Flexible hours
- • Commute time
- • Company culture
🏢 Stability
- • Company size
- • Financial health
- • Industry stability
- • Layoff history
🌍 Location
- • Cost of living
- • State taxes
- • Quality of life
- • Climate
🤝 Negotiation Tips
✅ Do's
- •Research market salaries on Glassdoor/Levels.fyi
- •Ask for time to consider the offer (24-48 hours)
- •Negotiate all aspects, not just salary
- •Get the final offer in writing
❌ Don'ts
- •Don't accept the first offer immediately
- •Don't reveal current salary if not required
- •Don't be aggressive or give ultimatums
- •Don't forget to consider the whole package
Job Offer Comparison Scenarios
Compare base pay with benefits and hidden costs before choosing an offer.
Assumptions
- Evaluate total compensation, not just base salary.
- Include cost-of-living and commute-time impact.
- Consider career growth and role stability in the decision.
Remote vs on-site
Remote role pays $5k less but removes commute costs/time.
Real take-home value may be higher for the remote offer.
Uncertain equity package
Startup offer has lower base with high equity upside.
Model part of equity as upside, not fixed cash comp.
Related Tools
Explore our other financial tools for comprehensive planning
Last updated: April 18, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions - Salary
- How is my take-home pay calculated?
Your take-home pay is calculated by subtracting deductions from your gross pay. Deductions can include taxes, insurance premiums, and retirement contributions.
- What are common payroll deductions?
Common payroll deductions include federal and state income taxes, Social Security and Medicare taxes, health insurance premiums, and retirement plan contributions.
- What is the difference between salary and wages?
Salary is a fixed amount of money that you are paid for your work, regardless of how many hours you work. Wages are an hourly rate of pay, so your earnings will vary depending on how many hours you work.
- How can I negotiate a higher salary?
To negotiate a higher salary, you should do your research to find out what other people in your field are earning. You should also be prepared to talk about your accomplishments and why you deserve a raise.
- What is a pay stub and how do I read it?
A pay stub is a document that shows your earnings and deductions for a specific pay period. You should review your pay stub carefully to make sure that it is accurate.
- What is a signing bonus?
A signing bonus is a one-time payment that you receive when you are hired for a new job. It is typically used to attract and retain top talent.
- How does my salary affect my taxes?
Your salary affects your taxes by determining your tax bracket. The higher your salary, the higher your tax bracket will be.
- What is a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA)?
A cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is an increase in your salary that is designed to offset the effects of inflation. COLAs are typically given to employees on an annual basis.
- How do I compare job offers?
Consider base salary, bonuses, health benefits, time off, stock options, and growth potential. The highest salary isn't always the best offer.
- Which benefits are most valuable?
Health insurance can be worth $5,000-$20,000/year. 401k match is free money. Flexible time off and remote work have significant value.
- How do I value stock options?
For startups, consider options as lottery tickets. For public companies, use current price minus strike price times number of options.
- Should I negotiate?
Always! 87% of employers expect negotiation. Ask for 10-20% more. If they can't increase salary, negotiate benefits or time off.
How These Results Are Calculated
Each calculator uses standard financial formulas and explicit assumptions to generate educational estimates. Results are based on your inputs and may vary based on rates, taxes, fees, and local market conditions.
- Public data sources include the IRS, BLS, Census, Federal Reserve, and state agencies.
- Calculators are reviewed periodically to reflect market and tax-rule changes.
- These results do not replace personalized professional advice.
GA
Reviewed by the Founder of GetAffordably
This content was created with AI assistance and reviewed by the founder of GetAffordably. Financial data is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, Federal Reserve, IRS, and other public records, and is verified periodically.
Last updated: April 2026