The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Data Scientists: Hattiesburg vs Hilo

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

Hattiesburg, MS

$95,504/yr

Take-home$5,810/mo
Disposable$3,839/mo
Lifestyle9/10 ยท Comfortable
Best Value

Hilo, HI

$138,347/yr

Take-home$8,416/mo
Disposable$5,048/mo
Lifestyle9/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Hilo, HI

Hilo offers $1,209 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Hattiesburg

Hilo

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$95,504

$138,347

$42,843

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$5,810

$8,416

$2,606

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

76

130

-54 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$1,971

$3,368

$1,397

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,133

$1,937

$804

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$3,839

$5,048

$1,209

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.95ร—

2.50ร—

+0.45ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

9/10 (Comfortable)

9/10 (Comfortable)

+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.