Salary Comparison
Database Architects: Costa Mesa vs Brownsville
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Costa Mesa, CA
$145,300/yr
Brownsville, TX
$112,196/yr
Our recommendation: Brownsville, TX
Brownsville offers higher purchasing power (10 vs 8/10), giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.
Full Breakdown
Costa Mesa
Brownsville
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$145,300
$112,196
+$33,104
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$8,839
$6,825
+$2,014
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
139
68
+71 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$3,725
$1,828
+$1,897
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$2,380
$920
+$1,460
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$5,114
$4,997
+$117
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.37×
3.73×
-1.36×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
8/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
-2
A vs B
Costa Mesa — Full Details
Brownsville — 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.