Salary Comparison
Software Developers: Raleigh vs San Mateo
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Raleigh, NC
$131,390/yr
San Mateo, CA
$155,330/yr
Our recommendation: Raleigh, NC
Raleigh offers $215 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.
Full Breakdown
Raleigh
San Mateo
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$131,390
$155,330
$23,940
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$7,993
$9,449
$1,456
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
95
158
-63 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,562
$4,233
$1,671
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,480
$2,780
$1,300
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$5,431
$5,216
+$215
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
3.12×
2.23×
+0.89×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
8/10 (Comfortable)
+2
A vs B
Raleigh — Full Details
San Mateo — 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.