Salary Comparison
Area: Tacoma vs Boulder
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Tacoma, WA
$87,370/yr
Boulder, CO
$104,550/yr
Our recommendation: Boulder, CO
Boulder offers $412 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Tacoma
Boulder
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$87,370
$104,550
$17,180
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$5,315
$6,360
$1,045
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
103
127
-24 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,770
$3,403
$633
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,620
$2,150
$530
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$2,545
$2,957
$412
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.92×
1.87×
+0.05×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
7/10 (Moderate)
7/10 (Moderate)
+0
A vs B
Tacoma — Full Details
Boulder — 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.