Salary Comparison
Managers: Cary vs San Diego
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Cary, NC
$128,934/yr
San Diego, CA
$165,378/yr
Our recommendation: San Diego, CA
San Diego offers $1,392 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Cary
San Diego
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$128,934
$165,378
$36,444
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$7,844
$10,061
$2,217
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
102
133
-31 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,740
$3,565
$825
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,620
$2,250
$630
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$5,104
$6,496
$1,392
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.86×
2.82×
+0.04×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
9/10 (Comfortable)
9/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Cary — Full Details
San Diego — 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.