Salary Comparison
Computer Hardware Engineers: Charleston vs Hilo
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Charleston, SC
$125,374/yr
Hilo, HI
$166,449/yr
Our recommendation: Hilo, HI
Hilo offers $1,229 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Charleston
Hilo
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$125,374
$166,449
$41,075
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$7,627
$10,126
$2,499
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
81
130
-49 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,098
$3,368
$1,270
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,207
$1,937
$730
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$5,529
$6,758
$1,229
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
3.64×
3.01×
+0.63×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Charleston — 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.