Salary Comparison
Software Developers: Charleston vs San Jose
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Charleston, SC
$122,822/yr
San Jose, CA
$208,270/yr
Our recommendation: San Jose, CA
San Jose offers $3,331 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Charleston
San Jose
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$122,822
$208,270
$85,448
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$7,472
$12,670
$5,198
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
81
148
-67 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,098
$3,965
$1,867
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,207
$2,550
$1,343
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$5,374
$8,705
$3,331
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
3.56×
3.20×
+0.36×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Charleston — 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.