Salary Comparison
Computer Programmers: Waterloo vs Portland
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Waterloo, IA
$87,994/yr
Portland, OR
$120,870/yr
Our recommendation: Portland, OR
Portland offers $1,145 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Waterloo
Portland
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$87,994
$120,870
$32,876
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$5,353
$7,353
$2,000
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
78
107
-29 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,020
$2,875
$855
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,162
$1,680
$518
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$3,333
$4,478
$1,145
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.65×
2.56×
+0.09×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
9/10 (Comfortable)
9/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Waterloo — Full Details
Portland — 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.