Salary Comparison
Computer Programmers: Madison vs Cincinnati
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Madison, WI
$98,942/yr
Cincinnati, OH
$119,900/yr
Our recommendation: Cincinnati, OH
Cincinnati offers $1,678 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Madison
Cincinnati
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$98,942
$119,900
$20,958
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$6,019
$7,294
$1,275
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
96
81
+15 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,570
$2,167
+$403
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,480
$1,160
+$320
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$3,449
$5,127
$1,678
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.34×
3.37×
-1.03×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
8/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
-2
A vs B
Madison — Full Details
Cincinnati — 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.