The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Curators: Augusta vs Kailua

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

Best Value

Augusta, GA

$56,931/yr

Take-home$3,463/mo
Disposable$1,398/mo
Lifestyle6/10 ยท Moderate

Kailua, HI

$81,896/yr

Take-home$4,982/mo
Disposable$1,147/mo
Lifestyle5/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Augusta, GA

Augusta offers $251 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Augusta

Kailua

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$56,931

$81,896

$24,965

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$3,463

$4,982

$1,519

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

77

148

-71 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,065

$3,835

$1,770

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,080

$2,206

$1,126

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$1,398

$1,147

+$251

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.68ร—

1.30ร—

+0.38ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

6/10 (Moderate)

5/10 (Tight)

+1

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.