The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Programmers: Centennial vs Detroit

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

Best Value

Centennial, CO

$104,416/yr

Take-home$6,352/mo
Disposable$3,476/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable

Detroit, MI

$76,810/yr

Take-home$4,673/mo
Disposable$2,698/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Centennial, CO

Centennial offers $778 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Centennial

Detroit

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$104,416

$76,810

+$27,606

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$6,352

$4,673

+$1,679

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

111

74

+37 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,876

$1,975

+$901

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,654

$980

+$674

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$3,476

$2,698

+$778

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.21ร—

2.37ร—

-0.16ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

8/10 (Comfortable)

8/10 (Comfortable)

+0

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.