The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Programmers: Berkeley vs Bellevue

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

Berkeley, CA

$104,410/yr

Take-home$6,352/mo
Disposable$2,374/mo
Lifestyle6/10 ยท Moderate
Best Value

Bellevue, WA

$167,970/yr

Take-home$10,218/mo
Disposable$6,378/mo
Lifestyle9/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Bellevue, WA

Bellevue offers $4,004 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Berkeley

Bellevue

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$104,410

$167,970

$63,560

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$6,352

$10,218

$3,866

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

148

143

+5 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$3,978

$3,840

+$138

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$2,550

$2,450

+$100

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$2,374

$6,378

$4,004

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.60ร—

2.66ร—

-1.06ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

6/10 (Moderate)

9/10 (Comfortable)

-3

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.