Salary Comparison
Astronomers: Charleston vs Kent
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Charleston, SC
$127,440/yr
Kent, WA
$83,460/yr
Our recommendation: Charleston, SC
Charleston offers $3,386 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Charleston
Kent
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$127,440
$83,460
+$43,980
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$7,753
$5,077
+$2,676
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
81
105
-24 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,098
$2,808
$710
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,207
$1,650
$443
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$5,655
$2,269
+$3,386
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
3.70×
1.81×
+1.89×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
7/10 (Moderate)
+3
A vs B
Charleston — Full Details
Kent — 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.