Salary Comparison
Software Developers: Berkeley vs San Jose
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Berkeley, CA
$155,330/yr
San Jose, CA
$208,270/yr
Our recommendation: San Jose, CA
San Jose offers $3,234 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Berkeley
San Jose
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$155,330
$208,270
$52,940
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$9,449
$12,670
$3,221
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
148
148
+0 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$3,978
$3,965
+$13
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$2,550
$2,550
+$0
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$5,471
$8,705
$3,234
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.38×
3.20×
-0.82×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
8/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
-2
A vs B
Berkeley — 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.