Salary Comparison
Computer Hardware Engineers: Lewiston vs San Jose
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Lewiston, ME
$119,736/yr
San Jose, CA
$197,090/yr
Our recommendation: San Jose, CA
San Jose offers $2,865 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Lewiston
San Jose
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$119,736
$197,090
$77,354
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$7,284
$11,990
$4,706
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
82
148
-66 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,124
$3,965
$1,841
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,222
$2,550
$1,328
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$5,160
$8,025
$2,865
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
3.43×
3.02×
+0.41×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Lewiston — 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.