Salary Comparison
Materials Scientists: Concord vs Houston
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Concord, CA
$126,240/yr
Houston, TX
$79,900/yr
Our recommendation: Concord, CA
Concord offers $1,901 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Concord
Houston
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$126,240
$79,900
+$46,340
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$7,680
$4,861
+$2,819
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
124
90
+34 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$3,333
$2,415
+$918
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$2,050
$1,350
+$700
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$4,347
$2,446
+$1,901
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.30×
2.01×
+0.29×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
8/10 (Comfortable)
8/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Concord — Full Details
Houston — 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.