The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Model Makers: Sandy Springs vs Plano

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

Sandy Springs, GA

$70,564/yr

Take-home$4,293/mo
Disposable$1,370/mo
Lifestyle5/10 ยท Tight
Best Value

Plano, TX

$85,820/yr

Take-home$5,221/mo
Disposable$2,426/mo
Lifestyle7/10 ยท Moderate
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Plano, TX

Plano offers $1,056 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Sandy Springs

Plano

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$70,564

$85,820

$15,256

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$4,293

$5,221

$928

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

109

104

+5 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,923

$2,795

+$128

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,750

$1,650

+$100

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$1,370

$2,426

$1,056

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.47ร—

1.87ร—

-0.40ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

5/10 (Tight)

7/10 (Moderate)

-2

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.