The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Software Developers: Pittsburgh vs San Jose

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

Pittsburgh, PA

$122,033/yr

Take-home$7,424/mo
Disposable$5,059/mo
Lifestyle10/10 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 $3,646 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Pittsburgh

San Jose

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$122,033

$208,270

$86,237

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$7,424

$12,670

$5,246

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

88

148

-60 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,365

$3,965

$1,600

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,280

$2,550

$1,270

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$5,059

$8,705

$3,646

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

3.14ร—

3.20ร—

-0.06ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

10/10 (Comfortable)

10/10 (Comfortable)

+0

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.