Salary Comparison
Physicists: Indio vs Houston
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Indio, CA
$133,070/yr
Houston, TX
$212,050/yr
Our recommendation: Houston, TX
Houston offers $5,058 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Indio
Houston
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$133,070
$212,050
$78,980
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$8,095
$12,900
$4,805
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
99
90
+9 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,668
$2,415
+$253
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,520
$1,350
+$170
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$5,427
$10,485
$5,058
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
3.03×
5.34×
-2.31×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Indio — Full Details
Houston — 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.