Salary Comparison
Physicists: Richardson vs Irvine
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Richardson, TX
$202,610/yr
Irvine, CA
$133,070/yr
Our recommendation: Richardson, TX
Richardson offers $5,481 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Richardson
Irvine
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$202,610
$133,070
+$69,540
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$12,325
$8,095
+$4,230
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
102
148
-46 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,727
$3,978
$1,251
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,590
$2,580
$990
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$9,598
$4,117
+$5,481
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
4.52×
2.03×
+2.49×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
8/10 (Comfortable)
+2
A vs B
Richardson — Full Details
Irvine — 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.