Salary Comparison
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers: San Marcos vs Abilene
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
San Marcos, CA
$78,530/yr
Abilene, TX
$59,072/yr
Our recommendation: Abilene, TX
Abilene offers $120 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.
Full Breakdown
San Marcos
Abilene
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$78,530
$59,072
+$19,458
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$4,777
$3,594
+$1,183
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
120
72
+48 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$3,230
$1,927
+$1,303
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,980
$980
+$1,000
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$1,547
$1,667
$120
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.48×
1.87×
-0.39×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
5/10 (Tight)
7/10 (Moderate)
-2
A vs B
San Marcos — 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.