The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Programmers: Brownsville vs San Francisco

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

Best Value

Brownsville, TX

$81,911/yr

Take-home$4,983/mo
Disposable$3,155/mo
Lifestyle9/10 ยท Comfortable

San Francisco, CA

$122,000/yr

Take-home$7,422/mo
Disposable$3,267/mo
Lifestyle7/10 ยท Moderate
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Brownsville, TX

Brownsville offers higher purchasing power (9 vs 7/10), giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Brownsville

San Francisco

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$81,911

$122,000

$40,089

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$4,983

$7,422

$2,439

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

68

155

-87 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$1,828

$4,155

$2,327

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$920

$2,680

$1,760

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$3,155

$3,267

$112

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.73ร—

1.79ร—

+0.94ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

9/10 (Comfortable)

7/10 (Moderate)

+2

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.