Salary Comparison
Software Developers: Pittsburgh vs Carlsbad
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Pittsburgh, PA
$122,033/yr
Carlsbad, CA
$155,330/yr
Our recommendation: Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh offers higher purchasing power (10 vs 8/10), giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.
Full Breakdown
Pittsburgh
Carlsbad
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$122,033
$155,330
$33,297
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$7,424
$9,449
$2,025
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
88
142
-54 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,365
$3,823
$1,458
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,280
$2,450
$1,170
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$5,059
$5,626
$567
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
3.14×
2.47×
+0.67×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
8/10 (Comfortable)
+2
A vs B
Pittsburgh — 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.