The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Surgeons: Hackensack vs Abilene

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

Best Value

Hackensack, NJ

$198,492/yr

Take-home$12,075/mo
Disposable$9,174/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable

Abilene, TX

$154,053/yr

Take-home$9,372/mo
Disposable$7,445/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Hackensack, NJ

Hackensack offers $1,729 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Hackensack

Abilene

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$198,492

$154,053

+$44,439

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$12,075

$9,372

+$2,703

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

112

72

+40 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,901

$1,927

+$974

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,669

$980

+$689

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$9,174

$7,445

+$1,729

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

4.16ร—

4.86ร—

-0.70ร—

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.