The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Software Developers: Alpharetta vs Bellevue

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

Alpharetta, GA

$129,923/yr

Take-home$7,904/mo
Disposable$5,261/mo
Lifestyle9/10 ยท Comfortable
Best Value

Bellevue, WA

$169,340/yr

Take-home$10,302/mo
Disposable$6,462/mo
Lifestyle9/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Bellevue, WA

Bellevue offers $1,201 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Alpharetta

Bellevue

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$129,923

$169,340

$39,417

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$7,904

$10,302

$2,398

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

102

143

-41 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,643

$3,840

$1,197

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,520

$2,450

$930

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$5,261

$6,462

$1,201

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.99ร—

2.68ร—

+0.31ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

9/10 (Comfortable)

9/10 (Comfortable)

+0

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.