The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Programmers: Knoxville vs Boulder

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

Knoxville, TN

$92,860/yr

Take-home$5,649/mo
Disposable$3,334/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable
Best Value

Boulder, CO

$117,798/yr

Take-home$7,166/mo
Disposable$3,763/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Boulder, CO

Boulder offers $429 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Knoxville

Boulder

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$92,860

$117,798

$24,938

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$5,649

$7,166

$1,517

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

86

127

-41 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,315

$3,403

$1,088

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,280

$2,150

$870

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$3,334

$3,763

$429

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.44ร—

2.11ร—

+0.33ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

8/10 (Comfortable)

8/10 (Comfortable)

+0

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.