The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Programmers: Pasadena vs Boise

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

Pasadena, CA

$104,410/yr

Take-home$6,352/mo
Disposable$2,652/mo
Lifestyle6/10 · Moderate

Boise, ID

$80,900/yr

Take-home$4,921/mo
Disposable$2,354/mo
Lifestyle7/10 · Moderate

Full Breakdown

Pasadena

Boise

Diff (A−B)

Annual Gross Salary

$104,410

$80,900

+$23,510

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$6,352

$4,921

+$1,431

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

138

96

+42 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$3,700

$2,567

+$1,133

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$2,350

$1,490

+$860

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$2,652

$2,354

+$298

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better

1.72×

1.92×

-0.20×

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

6/10 (Moderate)

7/10 (Moderate)

-1

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.