The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers: Sterling Heights vs San Jose

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

Sterling Heights, MI

$64,610/yr

Take-home$3,930/mo
Disposable$1,728/mo
Lifestyle7/10 · Moderate

San Jose, CA

$97,930/yr

Take-home$5,957/mo
Disposable$1,992/mo
Lifestyle6/10 · Tight

Full Breakdown

Sterling Heights

San Jose

Diff (A−B)

Annual Gross Salary

$64,610

$97,930

$33,320

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$3,930

$5,957

$2,027

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

82

148

-66 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,202

$3,965

$1,763

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,180

$2,550

$1,370

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$1,728

$1,992

$264

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better

1.78×

1.50×

+0.28×

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

7/10 (Moderate)

6/10 (Tight)

+1

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.