The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Physicists: Durham vs Pompano Beach

Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.

Durham, NC

$162,923/yr

Take-home$9,911/mo
Disposable$7,391/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
Best Value

Pompano Beach, FL

$219,070/yr

Take-home$13,327/mo
Disposable$10,489/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Pompano Beach, FL

Pompano Beach offers $3,098 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Durham

Pompano Beach

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$162,923

$219,070

$56,147

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$9,911

$13,327

$3,416

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

94

106

-12 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,520

$2,838

$318

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,450

$1,680

$230

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$7,391

$10,489

$3,098

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

3.93ร—

4.70ร—

-0.77ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

10/10 (Comfortable)

10/10 (Comfortable)

+0

A vs B

Salary estimates based on BLS metro data. Cost of living from regional price indices. All figures are estimates; verify with employers before making decisions.