The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Hardware Engineers: El Paso vs Federal Way

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

El Paso, TX

$112,487/yr

Take-home$6,843/mo
Disposable$4,888/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
Best Value

Federal Way, WA

$174,070/yr

Take-home$10,589/mo
Disposable$7,867/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Federal Way, WA

Federal Way offers $2,979 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

El Paso

Federal Way

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$112,487

$174,070

$61,583

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$6,843

$10,589

$3,746

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

73

101

-28 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$1,955

$2,722

$767

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,020

$1,580

$560

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$4,888

$7,867

$2,979

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

3.50ร—

3.89ร—

-0.39ร—

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.