Salary Comparison
Computer Hardware Engineers: Allen vs Kirkland
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Allen, TX
$122,957/yr
Kirkland, WA
$174,070/yr
Our recommendation: Kirkland, WA
Kirkland offers $2,557 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Allen
Kirkland
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$122,957
$174,070
$51,113
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$7,480
$10,589
$3,109
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
103
128
-25 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,765
$3,317
$552
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,620
$1,908
$288
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$4,715
$7,272
$2,557
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.71×
3.19×
-0.48×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
9/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
-1
A vs B
Allen — 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.