The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Programmers: North Charleston vs Phoenix

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

Best Value

North Charleston, SC

$94,684/yr

Take-home$5,760/mo
Disposable$3,313/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable

Phoenix, AZ

$72,700/yr

Take-home$4,423/mo
Disposable$1,738/mo
Lifestyle6/10 ยท Moderate
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: North Charleston, SC

North Charleston offers $1,575 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

North Charleston

Phoenix

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$94,684

$72,700

+$21,984

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$5,760

$4,423

+$1,337

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

91

100

-9 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,447

$2,685

$238

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,380

$1,550

$170

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$3,313

$1,738

+$1,575

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.35ร—

1.65ร—

+0.70ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

8/10 (Comfortable)

6/10 (Moderate)

+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.