Salary Comparison
Computer Programmers: Philadelphia vs San Jose
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Philadelphia, PA
$88,100/yr
San Jose, CA
$159,250/yr
Our recommendation: San Jose, CA
San Jose offers $3,204 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Philadelphia
San Jose
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$88,100
$159,250
$71,150
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$5,359
$9,688
$4,329
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
106
148
-42 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,840
$3,965
$1,125
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,680
$2,550
$870
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$2,519
$5,723
$3,204
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.89×
2.44×
-0.55×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
7/10 (Moderate)
8/10 (Comfortable)
-1
A vs B
Philadelphia — 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.