The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Systems Analysts: Charleston vs Sunnyvale

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

Best Value

Charleston, SC

$99,919/yr

Take-home$6,078/mo
Disposable$3,980/mo
Lifestyle9/10 ยท Comfortable

Sunnyvale, CA

$126,520/yr

Take-home$7,697/mo
Disposable$3,614/mo
Lifestyle7/10 ยท Moderate
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Charleston, SC

Charleston offers $366 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Charleston

Sunnyvale

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$99,919

$126,520

$26,601

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$6,078

$7,697

$1,619

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

81

152

-71 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,098

$4,083

$1,985

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,207

$2,650

$1,443

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$3,980

$3,614

+$366

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.90ร—

1.89ร—

+1.01ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

9/10 (Comfortable)

7/10 (Moderate)

+2

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.