Salary Comparison
Software Developers: Denver vs Federal Way
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Denver, CO
$134,120/yr
Federal Way, WA
$169,340/yr
Our recommendation: Federal Way, WA
Federal Way offers $2,391 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Denver
Federal Way
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$134,120
$169,340
$35,220
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$8,159
$10,302
$2,143
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
111
101
+10 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,970
$2,722
+$248
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,780
$1,580
+$200
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$5,189
$7,580
$2,391
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.75×
3.78×
-1.03×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
9/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
-1
A vs B
Denver — Full Details
Federal Way — 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.