The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Occupations: Madison vs Washington

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

Madison, WI

$106,312/yr

Take-home$6,467/mo
Disposable$3,897/mo
Lifestyle9/10 · Comfortable

Washington, DC

$129,840/yr

Take-home$7,899/mo
Disposable$4,344/mo
Lifestyle8/10 · Comfortable

Full Breakdown

Madison

Washington

Diff (A−B)

Annual Gross Salary

$106,312

$129,840

$23,528

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$6,467

$7,899

$1,432

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

96

132

-36 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,570

$3,555

$985

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,480

$2,180

$700

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$3,897

$4,344

$447

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better

2.52×

2.22×

+0.30×

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

9/10 (Comfortable)

8/10 (Comfortable)

+1

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.