Salary Comparison
Computer Programmers: Philadelphia vs San Diego
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Philadelphia, PA
$88,100/yr
San Diego, CA
$121,447/yr
Our recommendation: San Diego, CA
San Diego offers $1,304 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Philadelphia
San Diego
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$88,100
$121,447
$33,347
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$5,359
$7,388
$2,029
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
106
133
-27 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,840
$3,565
$725
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,680
$2,250
$570
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$2,519
$3,823
$1,304
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.89×
2.07×
-0.18×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
7/10 (Moderate)
8/10 (Comfortable)
-1
A vs B
Philadelphia — Full Details
San Diego — 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.