Salary Comparison
Physicians: Flagstaff vs Carlsbad
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Flagstaff, AZ
$167,372/yr
Carlsbad, CA
$77,840/yr
Our recommendation: Flagstaff, AZ
Flagstaff offers $6,523 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Flagstaff
Carlsbad
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$167,372
$77,840
+$89,532
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$10,182
$4,735
+$5,447
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
106
142
-36 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,747
$3,823
$1,076
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,580
$2,450
$870
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$7,435
$912
+$6,523
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
3.71×
1.24×
+2.47×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
4/10 (Tight)
+6
A vs B
Flagstaff — Full Details
Carlsbad — 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.