The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Programmers: Glendale vs Memphis

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

Glendale, CA

$104,410/yr

Take-home$6,352/mo
Disposable$2,652/mo
Lifestyle6/10 ยท Moderate
Best Value

Memphis, TN

$77,880/yr

Take-home$4,738/mo
Disposable$2,406/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Memphis, TN

Memphis offers higher purchasing power (8 vs 6/10), giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Glendale

Memphis

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$104,410

$77,880

+$26,530

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$6,352

$4,738

+$1,614

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

138

90

+48 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$3,700

$2,332

+$1,368

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$2,350

$1,341

+$1,009

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$2,652

$2,406

+$246

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.72ร—

2.03ร—

-0.31ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

6/10 (Moderate)

8/10 (Comfortable)

-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.