Salary Comparison
Construction Laborers: Modesto vs San Jose
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Modesto, CA
$49,253/yr
San Jose, CA
$71,820/yr
Our recommendation: Modesto, CA
Modesto offers $90 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.
Full Breakdown
Modesto
San Jose
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$49,253
$71,820
$22,567
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$2,996
$4,369
$1,373
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
93
148
-55 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,502
$3,965
$1,463
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,420
$2,550
$1,130
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$494
$404
+$90
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.20×
1.10×
+0.10×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
4/10 (Tight)
4/10 (Tight)
+0
A vs B
Modesto — 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.