Salary Comparison
Computer Programmers: Waukegan vs Boulder
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Waukegan, IL
$99,550/yr
Boulder, CO
$117,798/yr
Our recommendation: Waukegan, IL
Waukegan offers $13 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.
Full Breakdown
Waukegan
Boulder
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$99,550
$117,798
$18,248
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$6,056
$7,166
$1,110
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
88
127
-39 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,280
$3,403
$1,123
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,311
$2,150
$839
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$3,776
$3,763
+$13
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.66×
2.11×
+0.55×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
9/10 (Comfortable)
8/10 (Comfortable)
+1
A vs B
Waukegan — Full Details
Boulder — 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.