Salary Comparison
Computer Hardware Engineers: Columbia vs Renton
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Columbia, MD
$148,730/yr
Renton, WA
$174,070/yr
Our recommendation: Renton, WA
Renton offers $1,946 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Columbia
Renton
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$148,730
$174,070
$25,340
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$9,048
$10,589
$1,541
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
124
109
+15 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$3,333
$2,928
+$405
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$2,050
$1,750
+$300
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$5,715
$7,661
$1,946
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.71×
3.62×
-0.91×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
9/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
-1
A vs B
Columbia — 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.