The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Area: Alexandria vs Abilene

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

Alexandria, VA

$90,514/yr

Take-home$5,506/mo
Disposable$2,006/mo
Lifestyle6/10 ยท Moderate
Best Value

Abilene, TX

$74,858/yr

Take-home$4,554/mo
Disposable$2,627/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Abilene, TX

Abilene offers $621 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Alexandria

Abilene

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$90,514

$74,858

+$15,656

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$5,506

$4,554

+$952

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

130

72

+58 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$3,500

$1,927

+$1,573

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$2,150

$980

+$1,170

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$2,006

$2,627

$621

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.57ร—

2.36ร—

-0.79ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

6/10 (Moderate)

8/10 (Comfortable)

-2

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.