Salary Comparison
Chief Executives: Charleston vs Pasadena
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Charleston, SC
$177,283/yr
Pasadena, CA
$231,500/yr
Our recommendation: Pasadena, CA
Pasadena offers $1,696 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Charleston
Pasadena
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$177,283
$231,500
$54,217
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$10,785
$14,083
$3,298
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
81
138
-57 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,098
$3,700
$1,602
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,207
$2,350
$1,143
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$8,687
$10,383
$1,696
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
5.14×
3.81×
+1.33×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Charleston — Full Details
Pasadena — 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.