The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Software Developers: Chesapeake vs Seattle

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

Chesapeake, VA

$132,290/yr

Take-home$8,048/mo
Disposable$5,553/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
Best Value

Seattle, WA

$169,340/yr

Take-home$10,302/mo
Disposable$6,932/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Seattle, WA

Seattle offers $1,379 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Chesapeake

Seattle

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$132,290

$169,340

$37,050

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$8,048

$10,302

$2,254

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

93

126

-33 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,495

$3,370

$875

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,420

$2,050

$630

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$5,553

$6,932

$1,379

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

3.23ร—

3.06ร—

+0.17ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

10/10 (Comfortable)

10/10 (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.