Salary Comparison
Software Developers: Raleigh vs Seattle
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Raleigh, NC
$131,390/yr
Seattle, WA
$169,340/yr
Our recommendation: Seattle, WA
Seattle offers $1,501 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Raleigh
Seattle
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$131,390
$169,340
$37,950
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$7,993
$10,302
$2,309
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
95
126
-31 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,562
$3,370
$808
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,480
$2,050
$570
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$5,431
$6,932
$1,501
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
3.12×
3.06×
+0.06×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Raleigh — Full Details
Seattle — 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.