The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Multiple Machine Tool Setters: Myrtle Beach vs Mesquite

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

Myrtle Beach, SC

$44,300/yr

Take-home$2,695/mo
Disposable$415/mo
Lifestyle4/10 ยท Tight
Best Value

Mesquite, TX

$77,520/yr

Take-home$4,716/mo
Disposable$2,391/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Mesquite, TX

Mesquite offers $1,976 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Myrtle Beach

Mesquite

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$44,300

$77,520

$33,220

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$2,695

$4,716

$2,021

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

88

87

+1 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,280

$2,325

$45

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,311

$1,280

+$31

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$415

$2,391

$1,976

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.18ร—

2.03ร—

-0.85ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

4/10 (Tight)

8/10 (Comfortable)

-4

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.