Salary Comparison
Software Developers: Saint Paul vs San Jose
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Saint Paul, MN
$126,767/yr
San Jose, CA
$208,270/yr
Our recommendation: San Jose, CA
San Jose offers $3,461 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Saint Paul
San Jose
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$126,767
$208,270
$81,503
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$7,712
$12,670
$4,958
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
92
148
-56 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,468
$3,965
$1,497
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,380
$2,550
$1,170
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$5,244
$8,705
$3,461
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
3.12×
3.20×
-0.08×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Saint Paul — 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.