The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Surgeons: Athens vs Kailua

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

Athens, GA

$168,496/yr

Take-home$10,250/mo
Disposable$7,967/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
Best Value

Kailua, HI

$229,598/yr

Take-home$13,967/mo
Disposable$10,132/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Kailua, HI

Kailua offers $2,165 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Athens

Kailua

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$168,496

$229,598

$61,102

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$10,250

$13,967

$3,717

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

85

148

-63 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,283

$3,835

$1,552

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,250

$2,206

$956

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$7,967

$10,132

$2,165

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

4.49ร—

3.64ร—

+0.85ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

10/10 (Comfortable)

10/10 (Comfortable)

+0

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.