Kept

City vs city

San Francisco vs San Jose

$100,000 in San Francisco buys a lifestyle closer to $97,000 in San Jose, because San Jose's cost-of-living index is 172 versus 178.

San Francisco

Tech wages are high, but housing absorbs a large share of even six-figure take-home pay.

COL index
178
Typical 1-bed
$3,300/mo
Comfortable salary
$151,000
$100k take-home
$73,957
Full San Francisco guide

San Jose

The heart of Silicon Valley. Home prices are among the highest in the country.

COL index
172
Typical 1-bed
$2,900/mo
Comfortable salary
$146,000
$100k take-home
$73,957
Full San Jose guide

More comparisons: vs New York Cityvs San Josevs Oaklandvs Los Angelesvs San Diegovs Irvine