The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Models: Albany vs Abilene

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

Albany, NY

$58,200/yr

Take-home$3,541/mo
Disposable$898/mo
Lifestyle5/10 ยท Tight
Best Value

Abilene, TX

$47,848/yr

Take-home$2,911/mo
Disposable$984/mo
Lifestyle6/10 ยท Moderate
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Abilene, TX

Abilene offers $86 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Albany

Abilene

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$58,200

$47,848

+$10,352

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$3,541

$2,911

+$630

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

102

72

+30 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,643

$1,927

+$716

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,520

$980

+$540

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$898

$984

$86

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.34ร—

1.51ร—

-0.17ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

5/10 (Tight)

6/10 (Moderate)

-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.