Salary Comparison
Physicists: Waco vs Miami
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Waco, TX
$145,684/yr
Miami, FL
$219,070/yr
Our recommendation: Miami, FL
Miami offers $3,210 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Waco
Miami
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$145,684
$219,070
$73,386
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$8,862
$13,327
$4,465
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
77
123
-46 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,055
$3,310
$1,255
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,080
$2,050
$970
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$6,807
$10,017
$3,210
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
4.31×
4.03×
+0.28×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Waco — Full Details
Miami — 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.