Salary Comparison
Computer Programmers: Albany vs San Jose
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Albany, NY
$102,592/yr
San Jose, CA
$159,250/yr
Our recommendation: San Jose, CA
San Jose offers $2,125 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Albany
San Jose
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$102,592
$159,250
$56,658
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$6,241
$9,688
$3,447
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
102
148
-46 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,643
$3,965
$1,322
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,520
$2,550
$1,030
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$3,598
$5,723
$2,125
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.36×
2.44×
-0.08×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
8/10 (Comfortable)
8/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Albany — Full Details
San Jose — 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.