The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Separating: Memphis vs Huntington Beach

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

Best Value

Memphis, TN

$48,840/yr

Take-home$2,971/mo
Disposable$639/mo
Lifestyle4/10 ยท Tight

Huntington Beach, CA

$61,550/yr

Take-home$3,744/mo
Disposable$19/mo
Lifestyle3/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Memphis, TN

Memphis offers $620 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Memphis

Huntington Beach

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$48,840

$61,550

$12,710

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$2,971

$3,744

$773

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

90

139

-49 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,332

$3,725

$1,393

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,341

$2,380

$1,039

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$639

$19

+$620

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.27ร—

1.01ร—

+0.26ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

4/10 (Tight)

3/10 (Tight)

+1

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.