Salary Comparison
Computer Programmers: Charleston vs Seattle
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Charleston, SC
$94,684/yr
Seattle, WA
$167,970/yr
Our recommendation: Seattle, WA
Seattle offers $3,186 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Charleston
Seattle
Diff (A−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
126
-45 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,098
$3,370
$1,272
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,207
$2,050
$843
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$3,662
$6,848
$3,186
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.75×
3.03×
-0.28×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
9/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
-1
A vs B
Charleston — Full Details
Seattle — 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.