The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer: Oakland vs Denver

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

Oakland, CA

$47,650/yr

Take-home$2,899/mo
Disposable$-691/mo
Lifestyle2/10 ยท Tight
Best Value

Denver, CO

$59,510/yr

Take-home$3,620/mo
Disposable$650/mo
Lifestyle4/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Denver, CO

Denver offers $1,341 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Oakland

Denver

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$47,650

$59,510

$11,860

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$2,899

$3,620

$721

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

134

111

+23 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$3,590

$2,970

+$620

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$2,250

$1,780

+$470

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$-691

$650

$1,341

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

0.81ร—

1.22ร—

-0.41ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

2/10 (Tight)

4/10 (Tight)

-2

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.