The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers: Austin vs San Jose

Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.

Austin, TX

$71,290/yr

Take-home$4,337/mo
Disposable$1,512/mo
Lifestyle6/10 ยท Moderate
Best Value

San Jose, CA

$97,930/yr

Take-home$5,957/mo
Disposable$1,992/mo
Lifestyle6/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: San Jose, CA

San Jose offers $480 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Austin

San Jose

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$71,290

$97,930

$26,640

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$4,337

$5,957

$1,620

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

105

148

-43 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,825

$3,965

$1,140

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,680

$2,550

$870

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$1,512

$1,992

$480

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.54ร—

1.50ร—

+0.04ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

6/10 (Moderate)

6/10 (Tight)

+0

A vs B

Salary estimates based on BLS metro data. Cost of living from regional price indices. All figures are estimates; verify with employers before making decisions.