Salary Comparison
Carpenters: Augusta vs Costa Mesa
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Augusta, GA
$52,419/yr
Costa Mesa, CA
$73,840/yr
Our recommendation: Augusta, GA
Augusta offers $357 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.
Full Breakdown
Augusta
Costa Mesa
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$52,419
$73,840
$21,421
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$3,189
$4,492
$1,303
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
77
139
-62 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,065
$3,725
$1,660
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,080
$2,380
$1,300
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$1,124
$767
+$357
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.54×
1.21×
+0.33×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
6/10 (Moderate)
4/10 (Tight)
+2
A vs B
Augusta — Full Details
Costa Mesa — 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.