Salary Comparison
Physicians: Maricopa vs Carlsbad
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Maricopa, AZ
$159,617/yr
Carlsbad, CA
$77,840/yr
Our recommendation: Maricopa, AZ
Maricopa offers $6,388 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Maricopa
Carlsbad
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$159,617
$77,840
+$81,777
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$9,710
$4,735
+$4,975
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
93
142
-49 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,410
$3,823
$1,413
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,386
$2,450
$1,064
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$7,300
$912
+$6,388
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
4.03×
1.24×
+2.79×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
4/10 (Tight)
+6
A vs B
Maricopa — 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.