The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Programmers: Waukesha vs Boston

Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.

Best Value

Waukesha, WI

$91,643/yr

Take-home$5,575/mo
Disposable$3,295/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable

Boston, MA

$115,190/yr

Take-home$7,007/mo
Disposable$3,097/mo
Lifestyle7/10 ยท Moderate
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Waukesha, WI

Waukesha offers $198 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Waukesha

Boston

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$91,643

$115,190

$23,547

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$5,575

$7,007

$1,432

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

88

146

-58 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,280

$3,910

$1,630

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,311

$2,490

$1,179

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$3,295

$3,097

+$198

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.45ร—

1.79ร—

+0.66ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

8/10 (Comfortable)

7/10 (Moderate)

+1

A vs B

Salary estimates based on BLS metro data. Cost of living from regional price indices. All figures are estimates; verify with employers before making decisions.