Salary Comparison
Physicians: Bellingham vs Detroit
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Bellingham, WA
$159,617/yr
Detroit, MI
$72,370/yr
Our recommendation: Bellingham, WA
Bellingham offers $4,649 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Bellingham
Detroit
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$159,617
$72,370
+$87,247
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$9,710
$4,403
+$5,307
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
98
74
+24 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,633
$1,975
+$658
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,520
$980
+$540
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$7,077
$2,428
+$4,649
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
3.69×
2.23×
+1.46×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
8/10 (Comfortable)
+2
A vs B
Bellingham — Full Details
Detroit — 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.