Salary Comparison
Microbiologists: Elgin vs Irvine
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Elgin, IL
$80,661/yr
Irvine, CA
$100,820/yr
Our recommendation: Elgin, IL
Elgin offers $345 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.
Full Breakdown
Elgin
Irvine
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$80,661
$100,820
$20,159
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$4,907
$6,133
$1,226
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
90
148
-58 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,407
$3,978
$1,571
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,350
$2,580
$1,230
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$2,500
$2,155
+$345
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.04×
1.54×
+0.50×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
8/10 (Comfortable)
6/10 (Moderate)
+2
A vs B
Elgin — Full Details
Irvine — 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.