The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Programmers: Charleston vs Washington

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 · Comfortable

Washington, DC

$120,839/yr

Take-home$7,351/mo
Disposable$3,796/mo
Lifestyle8/10 · Comfortable

Full Breakdown

Charleston

Washington

Diff (A−B)

Annual Gross Salary

$94,684

$120,839

$26,155

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$5,760

$7,351

$1,591

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

$3,555

$1,457

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,207

$2,180

$973

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$3,662

$3,796

$134

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better

2.75×

2.07×

+0.68×

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

9/10 (Comfortable)

8/10 (Comfortable)

+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.