Salary Comparison
Physicists: Chicago vs Sarasota
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Chicago, IL
$131,260/yr
Sarasota, FL
$219,070/yr
Our recommendation: Sarasota, FL
Sarasota offers $5,763 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Chicago
Sarasota
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$131,260
$219,070
$87,810
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$7,985
$13,327
$5,342
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
108
96
+12 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,910
$2,489
+$421
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,750
$1,431
+$319
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$5,075
$10,838
$5,763
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.74×
5.35×
-2.61×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
9/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
-1
A vs B
Chicago — Full Details
Sarasota — 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.