The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Programmers: Centennial vs Meridian

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

Meridian, ID

$80,900/yr

Take-home$4,921/mo
Disposable$2,313/mo
Lifestyle7/10 ยท Moderate
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Centennial, CO

Centennial offers $1,163 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Centennial

Meridian

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$104,416

$80,900

+$23,516

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$6,352

$4,921

+$1,431

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

111

97

+14 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,876

$2,608

+$268

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,654

$1,520

+$134

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$3,476

$2,313

+$1,163

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.21ร—

1.89ร—

+0.32ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

8/10 (Comfortable)

7/10 (Moderate)

+1

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.