The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Optometrists: Elgin vs Miami

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

Best Value

Elgin, IL

$132,518/yr

Take-home$8,062/mo
Disposable$5,655/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable

Miami, FL

$92,700/yr

Take-home$5,639/mo
Disposable$2,329/mo
Lifestyle6/10 ยท Moderate
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Elgin, IL

Elgin offers $3,326 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Elgin

Miami

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$132,518

$92,700

+$39,818

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$8,062

$5,639

+$2,423

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

90

123

-33 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,407

$3,310

$903

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,350

$2,050

$700

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$5,655

$2,329

+$3,326

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

3.35ร—

1.70ร—

+1.65ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

10/10 (Comfortable)

6/10 (Moderate)

+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.