The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Software Developers: Manassas vs San Jose

Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.

Manassas, VA

$132,290/yr

Take-home$8,048/mo
Disposable$5,327/mo
Lifestyle9/10 ยท Comfortable
Best Value

San Jose, CA

$208,270/yr

Take-home$12,670/mo
Disposable$8,705/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: San Jose, CA

San Jose offers $3,378 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Manassas

San Jose

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$132,290

$208,270

$75,980

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$8,048

$12,670

$4,622

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

$5,327

$8,705

$3,378

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.96ร—

3.20ร—

-0.24ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

9/10 (Comfortable)

10/10 (Comfortable)

-1

A vs B

Salary estimates based on BLS metro data. Cost of living from regional price indices. All figures are estimates; verify with employers before making decisions.