The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Physicians: Flagstaff vs Orange

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

Best Value

Flagstaff, AZ

$167,372/yr

Take-home$10,182/mo
Disposable$7,435/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable

Orange, CA

$77,840/yr

Take-home$4,735/mo
Disposable$1,303/mo
Lifestyle5/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Flagstaff, AZ

Flagstaff offers $6,132 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Flagstaff

Orange

Diff (Aโˆ’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

128

-22 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,747

$3,432

$685

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,580

$2,150

$570

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$7,435

$1,303

+$6,132

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

3.71ร—

1.38ร—

+2.33ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

10/10 (Comfortable)

5/10 (Tight)

+5

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.