Salary Comparison
Computer Hardware Engineers: Salem vs San Jose
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Salem, OR
$128,595/yr
San Jose, CA
$197,090/yr
Our recommendation: San Jose, CA
San Jose offers $2,687 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Salem
San Jose
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$128,595
$197,090
$68,495
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$7,823
$11,990
$4,167
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
93
148
-55 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,485
$3,965
$1,480
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,410
$2,550
$1,140
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$5,338
$8,025
$2,687
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
3.15×
3.02×
+0.13×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Salem — 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.