Salary Comparison
Physicists: Clearwater vs Kirkland
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Clearwater, FL
$219,070/yr
Kirkland, WA
$112,790/yr
Our recommendation: Clearwater, FL
Clearwater offers $7,018 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Clearwater
Kirkland
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$219,070
$112,790
+$106,280
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$13,327
$6,861
+$6,466
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
103
128
-25 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,765
$3,317
$552
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,620
$1,908
$288
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$10,562
$3,544
+$7,018
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
4.82×
2.07×
+2.75×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
8/10 (Comfortable)
+2
A vs B
Clearwater — Full Details
Kirkland — 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.