Salary Comparison
Architects: Spokane vs Gaithersburg
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Spokane, WA
$87,728/yr
Gaithersburg, MD
$104,744/yr
Our recommendation: Gaithersburg, MD
Gaithersburg offers $351 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Spokane
Gaithersburg
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$87,728
$104,744
$17,016
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$5,337
$6,372
$1,035
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
88
118
-30 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,372
$3,056
$684
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,320
$1,758
$438
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$2,965
$3,316
$351
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.25×
2.09×
+0.16×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
8/10 (Comfortable)
8/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Spokane — Full Details
Gaithersburg — 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.