Salary Comparison
Software Developers: Frederick vs San Jose
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Frederick, MD
$145,703/yr
San Jose, CA
$208,270/yr
Our recommendation: San Jose, CA
San Jose offers $2,562 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Frederick
San Jose
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$145,703
$208,270
$62,567
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$8,864
$12,670
$3,806
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
105
148
-43 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,721
$3,965
$1,244
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,565
$2,550
$985
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$6,143
$8,705
$2,562
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
3.26×
3.20×
+0.06×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Frederick — 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.