The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Coating: Modesto vs San Diego

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

Best Value

Modesto, CA

$47,274/yr

Take-home$2,876/mo
Disposable$374/mo
Lifestyle4/10 ยท Tight

San Diego, CA

$59,118/yr

Take-home$3,596/mo
Disposable$31/mo
Lifestyle3/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Modesto, CA

Modesto offers $343 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Modesto

San Diego

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$47,274

$59,118

$11,844

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$2,876

$3,596

$720

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

93

133

-40 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,502

$3,565

$1,063

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,420

$2,250

$830

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$374

$31

+$343

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.15ร—

1.01ร—

+0.14ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

4/10 (Tight)

3/10 (Tight)

+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.