Salary Comparison
Physicists: Jackson vs Clearwater
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Jackson, MS
$140,614/yr
Clearwater, FL
$219,070/yr
Our recommendation: Clearwater, FL
Clearwater offers $3,945 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Jackson
Clearwater
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$140,614
$219,070
$78,456
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$8,554
$13,327
$4,773
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
72
103
-31 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$1,937
$2,765
$828
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$980
$1,620
$640
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$6,617
$10,562
$3,945
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
4.42×
4.82×
-0.40×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Jackson — Full Details
Clearwater — 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.