The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Programmers: Florence vs Kailua

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

Best Value

Florence, SC

$89,210/yr

Take-home$5,427/mo
Disposable$3,355/mo
Lifestyle9/10 ยท Comfortable

Kailua, HI

$125,705/yr

Take-home$7,647/mo
Disposable$3,812/mo
Lifestyle7/10 ยท Moderate
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Florence, SC

Florence offers higher purchasing power (9 vs 7/10), giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Florence

Kailua

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$89,210

$125,705

$36,495

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$5,427

$7,647

$2,220

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

80

148

-68 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,072

$3,835

$1,763

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,192

$2,206

$1,014

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$3,355

$3,812

$457

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.62ร—

1.99ร—

+0.63ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

9/10 (Comfortable)

7/10 (Moderate)

+2

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.