Salary Comparison
Architects: Florence vs San Mateo
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Florence, SC
$83,190/yr
San Mateo, CA
$102,190/yr
Our recommendation: Florence, SC
Florence offers $1,005 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.
Full Breakdown
Florence
San Mateo
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$83,190
$102,190
$19,000
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$5,061
$6,217
$1,156
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
80
158
-78 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,072
$4,233
$2,161
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,192
$2,780
$1,588
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$2,989
$1,984
+$1,005
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.44×
1.47×
+0.97×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
8/10 (Comfortable)
5/10 (Tight)
+3
A vs B
Florence — Full Details
San Mateo — Full Details
Salary estimates based on BLS metro data. Cost of living from regional price indices. All figures are estimates; verify with employers before making decisions.