The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Semiconductor Processing Technicians: Charleston vs Phoenix

Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.

Charleston, SC

$48,279/yr

Take-home$2,937/mo
Disposable$839/mo
Lifestyle5/10 ยท Tight
Best Value

Phoenix, AZ

$78,050/yr

Take-home$4,748/mo
Disposable$2,063/mo
Lifestyle7/10 ยท Moderate
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix offers $1,224 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Charleston

Phoenix

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$48,279

$78,050

$29,771

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$2,937

$4,748

$1,811

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

81

100

-19 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,098

$2,685

$587

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,207

$1,550

$343

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$839

$2,063

$1,224

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.40ร—

1.77ร—

-0.37ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

5/10 (Tight)

7/10 (Moderate)

-2

A vs B

Salary estimates based on BLS metro data. Cost of living from regional price indices. All figures are estimates; verify with employers before making decisions.