Salary Comparison
Computer Programmers: Washington vs Seattle
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Washington, DC
$120,839/yr
Seattle, WA
$167,970/yr
Our recommendation: Seattle, WA
Seattle offers $3,052 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Washington
Seattle
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$120,839
$167,970
$47,131
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$7,351
$10,218
$2,867
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
132
126
+6 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$3,555
$3,370
+$185
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$2,180
$2,050
+$130
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$3,796
$6,848
$3,052
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.07×
3.03×
-0.96×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
8/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
-2
A vs B
Washington — Full Details
Seattle — 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.