Salary Comparison
Computer Programmers: Lancaster vs Meridian
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Lancaster, CA
$104,410/yr
Meridian, ID
$80,900/yr
Our recommendation: Lancaster, CA
Lancaster offers $1,486 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Lancaster
Meridian
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$104,410
$80,900
+$23,510
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$6,352
$4,921
+$1,431
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
95
97
-2 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,553
$2,608
$55
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,450
$1,520
$70
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$3,799
$2,313
+$1,486
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.49×
1.89×
+0.60×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
8/10 (Comfortable)
7/10 (Moderate)
+1
A vs B
Lancaster — Full Details
Meridian — Full Details
Salary estimates based on BLS metro data. Cost of living from regional price indices. All figures are estimates; verify with employers before making decisions.