The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Data Scientists: Mount Vernon vs San Jose

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

Mount Vernon, NY

$120,272/yr

Take-home$7,317/mo
Disposable$4,261/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable
Best Value

San Jose, CA

$173,160/yr

Take-home$10,534/mo
Disposable$6,569/mo
Lifestyle9/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: San Jose, CA

San Jose offers $2,308 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Mount Vernon

San Jose

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$120,272

$173,160

$52,888

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$7,317

$10,534

$3,217

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

118

148

-30 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$3,056

$3,965

$909

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,758

$2,550

$792

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$4,261

$6,569

$2,308

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.39ร—

2.66ร—

-0.27ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

8/10 (Comfortable)

9/10 (Comfortable)

-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.