The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Programmers: Lancaster vs Vancouver

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

Lancaster, CA

$104,410/yr

Take-home$6,352/mo
Disposable$3,799/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable
Best Value

Vancouver, WA

$167,970/yr

Take-home$10,218/mo
Disposable$7,497/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Vancouver, WA

Vancouver offers $3,698 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Lancaster

Vancouver

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$104,410

$167,970

$63,560

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$6,352

$10,218

$3,866

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

95

105

-10 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,553

$2,721

$168

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,450

$1,565

$115

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$3,799

$7,497

$3,698

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.49ร—

3.76ร—

-1.27ร—

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.