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Salary Comparison

Which job offer really wins?

Compare two offers on base + bonus + equity + benefits, adjusted for cost of living. See real purchasing power, not just sticker.

Offer A

wins on COL-adjusted comp

+$4,052 / yr real value

Offer A

Offer B

Comparison

Offer A raw

$112,500

Offer B raw

$157,250

Offer A COL-adj

$112,500

Offer B COL-adj

$108,448

Freedom Coach™

Offer A wins on cost-of-living-adjusted comp by ~$4,052/yr.

Raw total favors Offer B, but COL adjustment flips the answer. Higher-COL cities eat the "bigger" offer.

  • Model 3–5 years out: equity vests, bonuses compound, one offer often pulls away.
  • Ask the winning offer to match the losing offer's best line item — it costs them nothing to try.
  • 401(k) match is real money — a 6% match on a $100k base = $6k/yr you'll never see on paper.

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Frequently asked questions

What is cost-of-living (COL) adjustment?

A number (index) representing how expensive a city is vs. national average (100). NYC ≈ 187, Dallas ≈ 103, Denver ≈ 128. Dividing salary by (COL/100) shows equivalent purchasing power.

Should I count 401(k) match?

Yes — it's real dollars in your name. A 6% match on $100k is $6,000/yr. But adjust if there's a long vesting cliff.

How do I value equity?

For public companies: annual vested value (grant / vest years). For private: discount 30–70% based on stage, dilution risk, and liquidity path.

What about remote flexibility?

Model it as commute cost savings (~$5–10k/yr) + hours saved. If a remote offer has lower base, the delta closes fast.

Is the higher number always better?

No. A $150k offer in SF (COL 190) has ~$79k of purchasing power. A $115k offer in Denver (COL 128) has ~$90k. Always adjust for city.

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