Salary Comparison
Physicists: Abilene vs Houston
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Abilene, TX
$140,614/yr
Houston, TX
$212,050/yr
Our recommendation: Houston, TX
Houston offers $3,858 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Abilene
Houston
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$140,614
$212,050
$71,436
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$8,554
$12,900
$4,346
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
72
90
-18 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$1,927
$2,415
$488
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$980
$1,350
$370
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$6,627
$10,485
$3,858
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
4.44×
5.34×
-0.90×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Abilene — Full Details
Houston — 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.