Kept

City vs city

Seattle vs San Jose

$100,000 in Seattle buys a lifestyle closer to $119,000 in San Jose, because San Jose's cost-of-living index is 172 versus 144.

Seattle

No state income tax, high wages, and high housing. Take-home stretches further than in California at the same salary.

COL index
144
Typical 1-bed
$2,300/mo
Comfortable salary
$122,000
$100k take-home
$79,180
Full Seattle 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 Franciscovs San Josevs Oaklandvs Los Angelesvs San Diego