The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Pediatric Surgeons: Appleton vs Jersey City

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

Best Value

Appleton, WI

$80,863/yr

Take-home$4,919/mo
Disposable$2,692/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable

Jersey City, NJ

$95,890/yr

Take-home$5,833/mo
Disposable$2,103/mo
Lifestyle6/10 ยท Moderate
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Appleton, WI

Appleton offers $589 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Appleton

Jersey City

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$80,863

$95,890

$15,027

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$4,919

$5,833

$914

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

86

139

-53 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,227

$3,730

$1,503

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,281

$2,350

$1,069

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$2,692

$2,103

+$589

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.21ร—

1.56ร—

+0.65ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

8/10 (Comfortable)

6/10 (Moderate)

+2

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.