Salary Comparison
Computer Programmers: Bellingham vs Boise
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Bellingham, WA
$100,159/yr
Boise, ID
$80,900/yr
Our recommendation: Bellingham, WA
Bellingham offers $1,106 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Bellingham
Boise
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$100,159
$80,900
+$19,259
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$6,093
$4,921
+$1,172
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
98
96
+2 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,633
$2,567
+$66
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,520
$1,490
+$30
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$3,460
$2,354
+$1,106
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.31×
1.92×
+0.39×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
8/10 (Comfortable)
7/10 (Moderate)
+1
A vs B
Bellingham — 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.