Salary Comparison
Computer Programmers: Waukesha vs San Diego
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Waukesha, WI
$91,643/yr
San Diego, CA
$121,447/yr
Our recommendation: San Diego, CA
San Diego offers $528 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Waukesha
San Diego
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$91,643
$121,447
$29,804
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$5,575
$7,388
$1,813
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
88
133
-45 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,280
$3,565
$1,285
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,311
$2,250
$939
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$3,295
$3,823
$528
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.45×
2.07×
+0.38×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
8/10 (Comfortable)
8/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Waukesha — 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.