Salary Comparison
Computer Programmers: Madison vs Seattle
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Madison, WI
$98,942/yr
Seattle, WA
$167,970/yr
Our recommendation: Seattle, WA
Seattle offers $3,399 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Madison
Seattle
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$98,942
$167,970
$69,028
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$6,019
$10,218
$4,199
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
96
126
-30 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,570
$3,370
$800
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,480
$2,050
$570
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$3,449
$6,848
$3,399
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.34×
3.03×
-0.69×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
8/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
-2
A vs B
Madison — Full Details
Seattle — 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.