The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Arbitrators: Durham vs Sugar Land

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

Best Value

Durham, NC

$75,067/yr

Take-home$4,567/mo
Disposable$2,047/mo
Lifestyle7/10 ยท Moderate

Sugar Land, TX

$47,890/yr

Take-home$2,913/mo
Disposable$238/mo
Lifestyle3/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Durham, NC

Durham offers $1,809 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Durham

Sugar Land

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$75,067

$47,890

+$27,177

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$4,567

$2,913

+$1,654

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

94

100

-6 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,520

$2,675

$155

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,450

$1,550

$100

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$2,047

$238

+$1,809

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.81ร—

1.09ร—

+0.72ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

7/10 (Moderate)

3/10 (Tight)

+4

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.