The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Programmers: Abilene vs San Diego

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

Abilene, TX

$84,344/yr

Take-home$5,131/mo
Disposable$3,204/mo
Lifestyle9/10 · Comfortable

San Diego, CA

$121,447/yr

Take-home$7,388/mo
Disposable$3,823/mo
Lifestyle8/10 · Comfortable

Full Breakdown

Abilene

San Diego

Diff (A−B)

Annual Gross Salary

$84,344

$121,447

$37,103

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$5,131

$7,388

$2,257

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

72

133

-61 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$1,927

$3,565

$1,638

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$980

$2,250

$1,270

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$3,204

$3,823

$619

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better

2.66×

2.07×

+0.59×

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

9/10 (Comfortable)

8/10 (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.