The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Patternmakers: Smyrna vs Kailua

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

Best Value

Smyrna, GA

$59,023/yr

Take-home$3,591/mo
Disposable$1,155/mo
Lifestyle5/10 ยท Tight

Kailua, HI

$74,078/yr

Take-home$4,506/mo
Disposable$671/mo
Lifestyle4/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Smyrna, GA

Smyrna offers $484 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Smyrna

Kailua

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$59,023

$74,078

$15,055

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$3,591

$4,506

$915

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

94

148

-54 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,436

$3,835

$1,399

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,401

$2,206

$805

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$1,155

$671

+$484

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.47ร—

1.17ร—

+0.30ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

5/10 (Tight)

4/10 (Tight)

+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.