Salary Comparison
Models: Appleton vs Irvine
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Appleton, WI
$51,989/yr
Irvine, CA
$66,310/yr
Our recommendation: Appleton, WI
Appleton offers $880 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.
Full Breakdown
Appleton
Irvine
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$51,989
$66,310
$14,321
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$3,163
$4,034
$871
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
86
148
-62 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,227
$3,978
$1,751
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,281
$2,580
$1,299
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$936
$56
+$880
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.42×
1.01×
+0.41×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
5/10 (Tight)
3/10 (Tight)
+2
A vs B
Appleton — 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.