The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Coating: Phoenix vs Kailua

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

Best Value

Phoenix, AZ

$45,820/yr

Take-home$2,787/mo
Disposable$102/mo
Lifestyle3/10 ยท Tight

Kailua, HI

$61,190/yr

Take-home$3,722/mo
Disposable$-113/mo
Lifestyle3/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix offers $215 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Phoenix

Kailua

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$45,820

$61,190

$15,370

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$2,787

$3,722

$935

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

100

148

-48 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,685

$3,835

$1,150

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,550

$2,206

$656

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$102

$-113

+$215

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.04ร—

0.97ร—

+0.07ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

3/10 (Tight)

3/10 (Tight)

+0

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.