Salary Comparison
Computer Programmers: Waterloo vs San Jose
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Waterloo, IA
$87,994/yr
San Jose, CA
$159,250/yr
Full Breakdown
Waterloo
San Jose
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$87,994
$159,250
$71,256
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$5,353
$9,688
$4,335
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
78
148
-70 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,020
$3,965
$1,945
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,162
$2,550
$1,388
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$3,333
$5,723
$2,390
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.65×
2.44×
+0.21×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
9/10 (Comfortable)
8/10 (Comfortable)
+1
A vs B
Waterloo — 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.