Salary Comparison
Computer Programmers: Lancaster vs Washington
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Lancaster, CA
$104,410/yr
Washington, DC
$120,839/yr
Our recommendation: Lancaster, CA
Lancaster offers $3 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.
Full Breakdown
Lancaster
Washington
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$104,410
$120,839
$16,429
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$6,352
$7,351
$999
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
95
132
-37 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,553
$3,555
$1,002
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,450
$2,180
$730
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$3,799
$3,796
+$3
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.49×
2.07×
+0.42×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
8/10 (Comfortable)
8/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Lancaster — Full Details
Washington — 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.