The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Programmers: Herndon vs Renton

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

Herndon, VA

$101,983/yr

Take-home$6,204/mo
Disposable$3,303/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable
Best Value

Renton, WA

$167,970/yr

Take-home$10,218/mo
Disposable$7,290/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Renton, WA

Renton offers $3,987 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Herndon

Renton

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$101,983

$167,970

$65,987

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$6,204

$10,218

$4,014

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

112

109

+3 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,901

$2,928

$27

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,669

$1,750

$81

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$3,303

$7,290

$3,987

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.14ร—

3.49ร—

-1.35ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

8/10 (Comfortable)

10/10 (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.