Salary Comparison
Computer Programmers: Berkeley vs Federal Way
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Berkeley, CA
$104,410/yr
Federal Way, WA
$167,970/yr
Our recommendation: Federal Way, WA
Federal Way offers $5,122 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Berkeley
Federal Way
Diff (A−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
101
+47 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$3,978
$2,722
+$1,256
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$2,550
$1,580
+$970
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$2,374
$7,496
$5,122
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.60×
3.75×
-2.15×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
6/10 (Moderate)
10/10 (Comfortable)
-4
A vs B
Berkeley — Full Details
Federal Way — 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.