Salary Comparison
Physicists: Fargo vs Cleveland
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Fargo, ND
$162,923/yr
Cleveland, OH
$225,930/yr
Our recommendation: Cleveland, OH
Cleveland offers $4,269 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Fargo
Cleveland
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$162,923
$225,930
$63,007
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$9,911
$13,744
$3,833
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
94
74
+20 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,436
$2,000
+$436
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,401
$1,020
+$381
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$7,475
$11,744
$4,269
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
4.07×
6.87×
-2.80×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Fargo — Full Details
Cleveland — 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.