Salary Comparison
Software Developers: Appleton vs Tacoma
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Appleton, WI
$118,877/yr
Tacoma, WA
$169,340/yr
Our recommendation: Tacoma, WA
Tacoma offers $2,527 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Appleton
Tacoma
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$118,877
$169,340
$50,463
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$7,232
$10,302
$3,070
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
86
103
-17 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,227
$2,770
$543
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,281
$1,620
$339
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$5,005
$7,532
$2,527
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
3.25×
3.72×
-0.47×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Appleton — Full Details
Tacoma — 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.