The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Programmers: Boise vs Richland

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

Boise, ID

$80,900/yr

Take-home$4,921/mo
Disposable$2,354/mo
Lifestyle7/10 ยท Moderate
Best Value

Richland, WA

$167,970/yr

Take-home$10,218/mo
Disposable$7,833/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Richland, WA

Richland offers $5,479 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Boise

Richland

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$80,900

$167,970

$87,070

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$4,921

$10,218

$5,297

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

96

92

+4 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,567

$2,385

+$182

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,490

$1,371

+$119

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$2,354

$7,833

$5,479

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.92ร—

4.28ร—

-2.36ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

7/10 (Moderate)

10/10 (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.