The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Physicians: La Crosse vs Oakland

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

Best Value

La Crosse, WI

$146,047/yr

Take-home$8,885/mo
Disposable$6,708/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable

Oakland, CA

$77,840/yr

Take-home$4,735/mo
Disposable$1,145/mo
Lifestyle5/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: La Crosse, WI

La Crosse offers $5,563 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

La Crosse

Oakland

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$146,047

$77,840

+$68,207

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$8,885

$4,735

+$4,150

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

84

134

-50 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,177

$3,590

$1,413

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,252

$2,250

$998

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$6,708

$1,145

+$5,563

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

4.08ร—

1.32ร—

+2.76ร—

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.