Salary Comparison
Computer Programmers: Mcallen vs San Jose
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Mcallen, TX
$92,860/yr
San Jose, CA
$159,250/yr
Our recommendation: Mcallen, TX
Mcallen offers higher purchasing power (10 vs 8/10), giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.
Full Breakdown
Mcallen
San Jose
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$92,860
$159,250
$66,390
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$5,649
$9,688
$4,039
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
68
148
-80 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$1,828
$3,965
$2,137
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$920
$2,550
$1,630
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$3,821
$5,723
$1,902
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
3.09×
2.44×
+0.65×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
8/10 (Comfortable)
+2
A vs B
Mcallen — 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.