The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Programmers: Bellingham vs Kent

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

Bellingham, WA

$100,159/yr

Take-home$6,093/mo
Disposable$3,460/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable
Best Value

Kent, WA

$167,970/yr

Take-home$10,218/mo
Disposable$7,410/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Kent, WA

Kent offers $3,950 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Bellingham

Kent

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$100,159

$167,970

$67,811

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$6,093

$10,218

$4,125

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

98

105

-7 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,633

$2,808

$175

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,520

$1,650

$130

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$3,460

$7,410

$3,950

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.31ร—

3.64ร—

-1.33ร—

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.