Salary Comparison
Physicists: Baltimore vs Atlanta
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Baltimore, MD
$187,260/yr
Atlanta, GA
$131,560/yr
Our recommendation: Baltimore, MD
Baltimore offers $3,411 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Baltimore
Atlanta
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$187,260
$131,560
+$55,700
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$11,392
$8,003
+$3,389
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
108
105
+3 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,798
$2,820
$22
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,610
$1,670
$60
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$8,594
$5,183
+$3,411
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
4.07×
2.84×
+1.23×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
9/10 (Comfortable)
+1
A vs B
Baltimore — Full Details
Atlanta — 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.