The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Captains: Jackson vs Houston

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

Jackson, MS

$73,110/yr

Take-home$4,448/mo
Disposable$2,511/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable
Best Value

Houston, TX

$116,620/yr

Take-home$7,094/mo
Disposable$4,679/mo
Lifestyle9/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Houston, TX

Houston offers $2,168 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Jackson

Houston

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$73,110

$116,620

$43,510

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$4,448

$7,094

$2,646

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

72

90

-18 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$1,937

$2,415

$478

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$980

$1,350

$370

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$2,511

$4,679

$2,168

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.30ร—

2.94ร—

-0.64ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

8/10 (Comfortable)

9/10 (Comfortable)

-1

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.