Salary Comparison
Computer Hardware Engineers: Waterloo vs San Jose
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Waterloo, IA
$116,514/yr
San Jose, CA
$197,090/yr
Our recommendation: San Jose, CA
San Jose offers $2,957 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Waterloo
San Jose
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$116,514
$197,090
$80,576
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$7,088
$11,990
$4,902
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
78
148
-70 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,020
$3,965
$1,945
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,162
$2,550
$1,388
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$5,068
$8,025
$2,957
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
3.51×
3.02×
+0.49×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Waterloo — 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.