The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Programmers: Charleston vs Redmond

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

Charleston, SC

$94,684/yr

Take-home$5,760/mo
Disposable$3,662/mo
Lifestyle9/10 ยท Comfortable
Best Value

Redmond, WA

$167,970/yr

Take-home$10,218/mo
Disposable$6,798/mo
Lifestyle9/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Redmond, WA

Redmond offers $3,136 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Charleston

Redmond

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$94,684

$167,970

$73,286

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$5,760

$10,218

$4,458

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

81

132

-51 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,098

$3,420

$1,322

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,207

$1,967

$760

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$3,662

$6,798

$3,136

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.75ร—

2.99ร—

-0.24ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

9/10 (Comfortable)

9/10 (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.