Salary Comparison
Traffic Technicians: Waco vs San Mateo
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Waco, TX
$52,936/yr
San Mateo, CA
$78,020/yr
Our recommendation: Waco, TX
Waco offers $652 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.
Full Breakdown
Waco
San Mateo
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$52,936
$78,020
$25,084
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$3,220
$4,746
$1,526
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
77
158
-81 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,055
$4,233
$2,178
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,080
$2,780
$1,700
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$1,165
$513
+$652
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.57×
1.12×
+0.45×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
6/10 (Moderate)
4/10 (Tight)
+2
A vs B
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.