The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Software Developers: Frederick vs Albany

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

Best Value

Frederick, MD

$145,703/yr

Take-home$8,864/mo
Disposable$6,143/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable

Albany, NY

$133,079/yr

Take-home$8,096/mo
Disposable$5,453/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Frederick, MD

Frederick offers $690 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Frederick

Albany

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$145,703

$133,079

+$12,624

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$8,864

$8,096

+$768

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

105

102

+3 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,721

$2,643

+$78

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,565

$1,520

+$45

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$6,143

$5,453

+$690

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

3.26ร—

3.06ร—

+0.20ร—

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.