Salary Comparison
Electronics Engineers: Meridian vs San Jose
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Meridian, ID
$99,890/yr
San Jose, CA
$179,050/yr
Our recommendation: San Jose, CA
San Jose offers $3,458 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Meridian
San Jose
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$99,890
$179,050
$79,160
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$6,077
$10,892
$4,815
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
97
148
-51 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,608
$3,965
$1,357
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,520
$2,550
$1,030
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$3,469
$6,927
$3,458
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.33×
2.75×
-0.42×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
8/10 (Comfortable)
9/10 (Comfortable)
-1
A vs B
Meridian — 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.