Salary Comparison
Computer Programmers: Pasadena vs Kirkland
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Pasadena, CA
$104,410/yr
Kirkland, WA
$167,970/yr
Our recommendation: Kirkland, WA
Kirkland offers $4,249 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Pasadena
Kirkland
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$104,410
$167,970
$63,560
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$6,352
$10,218
$3,866
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
138
128
+10 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$3,700
$3,317
+$383
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$2,350
$1,908
+$442
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$2,652
$6,901
$4,249
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.72×
3.08×
-1.36×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
6/10 (Moderate)
10/10 (Comfortable)
-4
A vs B
Pasadena — Full Details
Kirkland — 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.