Salary Comparison
Hydrologists: Washington vs Phoenix
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Washington, DC
$120,760/yr
Phoenix, AZ
$75,100/yr
Our recommendation: Washington, DC
Washington offers $1,907 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Washington
Phoenix
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$120,760
$75,100
+$45,660
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$7,346
$4,569
+$2,777
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
132
100
+32 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$3,555
$2,685
+$870
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$2,180
$1,550
+$630
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$3,791
$1,884
+$1,907
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.07×
1.70×
+0.37×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
8/10 (Comfortable)
6/10 (Moderate)
+2
A vs B
Washington — Full Details
Phoenix — 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.