Salary Comparison
Computer Programmers: Waterloo vs Seattle
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Waterloo, IA
$87,994/yr
Seattle, WA
$167,970/yr
Our recommendation: Seattle, WA
Seattle offers $3,515 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Waterloo
Seattle
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$87,994
$167,970
$79,976
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$5,353
$10,218
$4,865
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
78
126
-48 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,020
$3,370
$1,350
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,162
$2,050
$888
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$3,333
$6,848
$3,515
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.65×
3.03×
-0.38×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
9/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
-1
A vs B
Waterloo — 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.