The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Software Developers: Charleston vs Washington

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

Charleston, SC

$122,822/yr

Take-home$7,472/mo
Disposable$5,374/mo
Lifestyle10/10 · Comfortable

Washington, DC

$156,749/yr

Take-home$9,536/mo
Disposable$5,981/mo
Lifestyle9/10 · Comfortable

Full Breakdown

Charleston

Washington

Diff (A−B)

Annual Gross Salary

$122,822

$156,749

$33,927

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$7,472

$9,536

$2,064

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

81

132

-51 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,098

$3,555

$1,457

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,207

$2,180

$973

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$5,374

$5,981

$607

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better

3.56×

2.68×

+0.88×

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.