The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Physicians: Gainesville vs Costa Mesa

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

Best Value

Gainesville, FL

$147,985/yr

Take-home$9,002/mo
Disposable$6,699/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable

Costa Mesa, CA

$77,840/yr

Take-home$4,735/mo
Disposable$1,010/mo
Lifestyle4/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Gainesville, FL

Gainesville offers $5,689 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Gainesville

Costa Mesa

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$147,985

$77,840

+$70,145

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$9,002

$4,735

+$4,267

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

$2,303

$3,725

$1,422

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,250

$2,380

$1,130

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$6,699

$1,010

+$5,689

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

3.91ร—

1.27ร—

+2.64ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

10/10 (Comfortable)

4/10 (Tight)

+6

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.