The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Software Developers: Wichita vs Fremont

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

Best Value

Wichita, KS

$108,620/yr

Take-home$6,608/mo
Disposable$4,703/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable

Fremont, CA

$155,330/yr

Take-home$9,449/mo
Disposable$5,616/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Wichita, KS

Wichita offers higher purchasing power (10 vs 8/10), giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Wichita

Fremont

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$108,620

$155,330

$46,710

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$6,608

$9,449

$2,841

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

71

143

-72 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$1,905

$3,833

$1,928

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$980

$2,450

$1,470

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$4,703

$5,616

$913

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

3.47ร—

2.47ร—

+1.00ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

10/10 (Comfortable)

8/10 (Comfortable)

+2

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.