Salary Comparison
Computer Programmers: Seattle vs Detroit
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Seattle, WA
$167,970/yr
Detroit, MI
$76,810/yr
Our recommendation: Seattle, WA
Seattle offers $4,150 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Seattle
Detroit
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$167,970
$76,810
+$91,160
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$10,218
$4,673
+$5,545
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
126
74
+52 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$3,370
$1,975
+$1,395
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$2,050
$980
+$1,070
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$6,848
$2,698
+$4,150
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
3.03×
2.37×
+0.66×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
8/10 (Comfortable)
+2
A vs B
Seattle — Full Details
Detroit — 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.