The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Architects: Florence vs Frederick

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

Florence, SC

$83,190/yr

Take-home$5,061/mo
Disposable$2,989/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable
Best Value

Frederick, MD

$104,744/yr

Take-home$6,372/mo
Disposable$3,651/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Frederick, MD

Frederick offers $662 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Florence

Frederick

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$83,190

$104,744

$21,554

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$5,061

$6,372

$1,311

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

80

105

-25 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,072

$2,721

$649

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,192

$1,565

$373

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$2,989

$3,651

$662

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.44ร—

2.34ร—

+0.10ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

8/10 (Comfortable)

8/10 (Comfortable)

+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.