Salary Comparison
Computer Programmers: Bellingham vs Denver
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Bellingham, WA
$100,159/yr
Denver, CO
$122,580/yr
Our recommendation: Denver, CO
Denver offers $1,027 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Bellingham
Denver
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$100,159
$122,580
$22,421
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$6,093
$7,457
$1,364
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
98
111
-13 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,633
$2,970
$337
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,520
$1,780
$260
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$3,460
$4,487
$1,027
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.31×
2.51×
-0.20×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
8/10 (Comfortable)
9/10 (Comfortable)
-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.