Salary Comparison
Computer Programmers: Bellingham vs San Francisco
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Bellingham, WA
$100,159/yr
San Francisco, CA
$122,000/yr
Our recommendation: Bellingham, WA
Bellingham offers $193 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.
Full Breakdown
Bellingham
San Francisco
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$100,159
$122,000
$21,841
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$6,093
$7,422
$1,329
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
98
155
-57 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,633
$4,155
$1,522
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,520
$2,680
$1,160
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$3,460
$3,267
+$193
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.31×
1.79×
+0.52×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
8/10 (Comfortable)
7/10 (Moderate)
+1
A vs B
Bellingham — Full Details
San Francisco — 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.