The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Programmers: Dover vs Meridian

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

Best Value

Dover, NH

$98,942/yr

Take-home$6,019/mo
Disposable$3,530/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: Dover, NH

Dover offers $1,217 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Dover

Meridian

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$98,942

$80,900

+$18,042

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$6,019

$4,921

+$1,098

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

96

97

-1 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,489

$2,608

$119

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,431

$1,520

$89

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$3,530

$2,313

+$1,217

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.42ร—

1.89ร—

+0.53ร—

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.