Salary Comparison
Materials Scientists: Bellevue vs San Mateo
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Bellevue, WA
$119,300/yr
San Mateo, CA
$126,240/yr
Our recommendation: San Mateo, CA
San Mateo offers $30 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Bellevue
San Mateo
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$119,300
$126,240
$6,940
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$7,257
$7,680
$423
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
143
158
-15 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$3,840
$4,233
$393
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$2,450
$2,780
$330
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$3,417
$3,447
$30
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.89×
1.81×
+0.08×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
7/10 (Moderate)
7/10 (Moderate)
+0
A vs B
Bellevue — Full Details
San Mateo — 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.