The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Data Scientists: Charleston vs Seattle

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

Charleston, SC

$104,206/yr

Take-home$6,339/mo
Disposable$4,241/mo
Lifestyle10/10 · Comfortable

Seattle, WA

$157,290/yr

Take-home$9,569/mo
Disposable$6,199/mo
Lifestyle9/10 · Comfortable

Full Breakdown

Charleston

Seattle

Diff (A−B)

Annual Gross Salary

$104,206

$157,290

$53,084

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$6,339

$9,569

$3,230

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

81

126

-45 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,098

$3,370

$1,272

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,207

$2,050

$843

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$4,241

$6,199

$1,958

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better

3.02×

2.84×

+0.18×

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

10/10 (Comfortable)

9/10 (Comfortable)

+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.