The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Makeup Artists: Allen vs Irvine

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

Allen, TX

$97,754/yr

Take-home$5,947/mo
Disposable$3,182/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable
Best Value

Irvine, CA

$132,900/yr

Take-home$8,085/mo
Disposable$4,107/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Irvine, CA

Irvine offers $925 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Allen

Irvine

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$97,754

$132,900

$35,146

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$5,947

$8,085

$2,138

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

103

148

-45 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,765

$3,978

$1,213

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,620

$2,580

$960

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$3,182

$4,107

$925

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.15ร—

2.03ร—

+0.12ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

8/10 (Comfortable)

8/10 (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.