The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Occupations: Redmond vs Birmingham

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

Redmond, WA

$134,230/yr

Take-home$8,166/mo
Disposable$4,746/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable
Best Value

Birmingham, AL

$89,319/yr

Take-home$5,434/mo
Disposable$3,620/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Birmingham, AL

Birmingham offers higher purchasing power (10 vs 8/10), giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Redmond

Birmingham

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$134,230

$89,319

+$44,911

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$8,166

$5,434

+$2,732

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

132

70

+62 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$3,420

$1,814

+$1,606

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,967

$1,043

+$924

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$4,746

$3,620

+$1,126

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.39ร—

3.00ร—

-0.61ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

8/10 (Comfortable)

10/10 (Comfortable)

-2

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.