The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Explosives Workers: Modesto vs San Mateo

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

Modesto, CA

$61,320/yr

Take-home$3,730/mo
Disposable$1,228/mo
Lifestyle5/10 ยท Tight
Best Value

San Mateo, CA

$94,240/yr

Take-home$5,733/mo
Disposable$1,500/mo
Lifestyle5/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: San Mateo, CA

San Mateo offers $272 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Modesto

San Mateo

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$61,320

$94,240

$32,920

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$3,730

$5,733

$2,003

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

93

158

-65 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,502

$4,233

$1,731

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,420

$2,780

$1,360

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$1,228

$1,500

$272

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.49ร—

1.35ร—

+0.14ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

5/10 (Tight)

5/10 (Tight)

+0

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.