Salary Comparison
Computer Programmers: Tacoma vs Austin
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Tacoma, WA
$167,970/yr
Austin, TX
$84,140/yr
Our recommendation: Tacoma, WA
Tacoma offers $5,154 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Tacoma
Austin
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$167,970
$84,140
+$83,830
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$10,218
$5,119
+$5,099
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
103
105
-2 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,770
$2,825
$55
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,620
$1,680
$60
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$7,448
$2,294
+$5,154
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
3.69×
1.81×
+1.88×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
7/10 (Moderate)
+3
A vs B
Tacoma — 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.