The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Programmers: Columbus vs Boise

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

Best Value

Columbus, GA

$87,994/yr

Take-home$5,353/mo
Disposable$3,333/mo
Lifestyle9/10 ยท Comfortable

Boise, ID

$80,900/yr

Take-home$4,921/mo
Disposable$2,354/mo
Lifestyle7/10 ยท Moderate
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Columbus, GA

Columbus offers $979 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Columbus

Boise

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$87,994

$80,900

+$7,094

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$5,353

$4,921

+$432

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

78

96

-18 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,020

$2,567

$547

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,162

$1,490

$328

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$3,333

$2,354

+$979

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.65ร—

1.92ร—

+0.73ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

9/10 (Comfortable)

7/10 (Moderate)

+2

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.