The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Programmers: Jackson vs Renton

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

Jackson, MS

$84,344/yr

Take-home$5,131/mo
Disposable$3,194/mo
Lifestyle9/10 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 $4,096 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Jackson

Renton

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$84,344

$167,970

$83,626

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$5,131

$10,218

$5,087

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

72

109

-37 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$1,937

$2,928

$991

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$980

$1,750

$770

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$3,194

$7,290

$4,096

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.65ร—

3.49ร—

-0.84ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

9/10 (Comfortable)

10/10 (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.