Salary Comparison
Microbiologists: Reston vs Memphis
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Reston, VA
$82,633/yr
Memphis, TN
$108,970/yr
Our recommendation: Memphis, TN
Memphis offers $2,326 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Reston
Memphis
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$82,633
$108,970
$26,337
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$5,027
$6,629
$1,602
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
118
90
+28 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$3,056
$2,332
+$724
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,758
$1,341
+$417
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$1,971
$4,297
$2,326
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.64×
2.84×
-1.20×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
6/10 (Moderate)
9/10 (Comfortable)
-3
A vs B
Reston — Full Details
Memphis — 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.