Salary Comparison
Computer Hardware Engineers: Billings vs San Jose
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Billings, MT
$122,152/yr
San Jose, CA
$197,090/yr
Our recommendation: San Jose, CA
San Jose offers $2,877 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Billings
San Jose
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$122,152
$197,090
$74,938
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$7,431
$11,990
$4,559
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
85
148
-63 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,283
$3,965
$1,682
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,250
$2,550
$1,300
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$5,148
$8,025
$2,877
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
3.25×
3.02×
+0.23×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Billings — 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.