The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Occupations: Bellevue vs San Jose

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

Bellevue, WA

$134,230/yr

Take-home$8,166/mo
Disposable$4,326/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable
Best Value

San Jose, CA

$168,070/yr

Take-home$10,224/mo
Disposable$6,259/mo
Lifestyle9/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: San Jose, CA

San Jose offers $1,933 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Bellevue

San Jose

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$134,230

$168,070

$33,840

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$8,166

$10,224

$2,058

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

143

148

-5 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$3,840

$3,965

$125

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$2,450

$2,550

$100

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$4,326

$6,259

$1,933

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.13ร—

2.58ร—

-0.45ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

8/10 (Comfortable)

9/10 (Comfortable)

-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.