The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Programmers: Wilmington vs San Francisco

Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.

Best Value

Wilmington, DE

$100,159/yr

Take-home$6,093/mo
Disposable$3,372/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable

San Francisco, CA

$122,000/yr

Take-home$7,422/mo
Disposable$3,267/mo
Lifestyle7/10 ยท Moderate
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Wilmington, DE

Wilmington offers $105 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Wilmington

San Francisco

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$100,159

$122,000

$21,841

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$6,093

$7,422

$1,329

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

105

155

-50 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,721

$4,155

$1,434

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,565

$2,680

$1,115

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$3,372

$3,267

+$105

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.24ร—

1.79ร—

+0.45ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

8/10 (Comfortable)

7/10 (Moderate)

+1

A vs B

Salary estimates based on BLS metro data. Cost of living from regional price indices. All figures are estimates; verify with employers before making decisions.