The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer: Charleston vs Juneau

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

Charleston, SC

$44,142/yr

Take-home$2,685/mo
Disposable$587/mo
Lifestyle4/10 ยท Tight
Best Value

Juneau, AK

$57,160/yr

Take-home$3,477/mo
Disposable$679/mo
Lifestyle4/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Juneau, AK

Juneau offers $92 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Charleston

Juneau

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$44,142

$57,160

$13,018

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$2,685

$3,477

$792

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

81

108

-27 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,098

$2,798

$700

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,207

$1,610

$403

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$587

$679

$92

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.28ร—

1.24ร—

+0.04ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

4/10 (Tight)

4/10 (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.