Salary Comparison
Computer Hardware Engineers: San Mateo vs Clearwater
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
San Mateo, CA
$140,890/yr
Clearwater, FL
$105,270/yr
Our recommendation: San Mateo, CA
San Mateo offers $699 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
San Mateo
Clearwater
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$140,890
$105,270
+$35,620
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$8,571
$6,404
+$2,167
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
158
103
+55 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$4,233
$2,765
+$1,468
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$2,780
$1,620
+$1,160
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$4,338
$3,639
+$699
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.02×
2.32×
-0.30×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
8/10 (Comfortable)
8/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
San Mateo — 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.