Salary Comparison
Software Developers: Chester vs Carlsbad
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Chester, PA
$120,455/yr
Carlsbad, CA
$155,330/yr
Our recommendation: Chester, PA
Chester offers higher purchasing power (10 vs 8/10), giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.
Full Breakdown
Chester
Carlsbad
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$120,455
$155,330
$34,875
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$7,328
$9,449
$2,121
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
82
142
-60 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,124
$3,823
$1,699
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,222
$2,450
$1,228
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$5,204
$5,626
$422
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
3.45×
2.47×
+0.98×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
8/10 (Comfortable)
+2
A vs B
Chester — Full Details
Carlsbad — 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.