Salary Comparison
Computer Programmers: Arvada vs Detroit
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Arvada, CO
$104,416/yr
Detroit, MI
$76,810/yr
Our recommendation: Arvada, CO
Arvada offers $821 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Arvada
Detroit
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$104,416
$76,810
+$27,606
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$6,352
$4,673
+$1,679
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
106
74
+32 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,833
$1,975
+$858
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,680
$980
+$700
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$3,519
$2,698
+$821
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.24×
2.37×
-0.13×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
8/10 (Comfortable)
8/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Arvada — Full Details
Detroit — 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.