The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Mathematicians: Carson vs Abilene

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

Carson, CA

$149,150/yr

Take-home$9,073/mo
Disposable$5,883/mo
Lifestyle9/10 · Comfortable

Abilene, TX

$107,599/yr

Take-home$6,546/mo
Disposable$4,619/mo
Lifestyle10/10 · Comfortable

Full Breakdown

Carson

Abilene

Diff (A−B)

Annual Gross Salary

$149,150

$107,599

+$41,551

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$9,073

$6,546

+$2,527

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

119

72

+47 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$3,190

$1,927

+$1,263

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,950

$980

+$970

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$5,883

$4,619

+$1,264

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better

2.84×

3.40×

-0.56×

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

9/10 (Comfortable)

10/10 (Comfortable)

-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.