Salary Comparison
Biological Technicians: Athens vs Irvine
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Athens, GA
$48,329/yr
Irvine, CA
$63,270/yr
Our recommendation: Athens, GA
Athens offers $786 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.
Full Breakdown
Athens
Irvine
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$48,329
$63,270
$14,941
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$2,940
$3,849
$909
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
85
148
-63 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,283
$3,978
$1,695
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,250
$2,580
$1,330
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$657
$-129
+$786
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.29×
0.97×
+0.32×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
4/10 (Tight)
3/10 (Tight)
+1
A vs B
Athens — 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.