Kept

City vs city

Washington, DC vs San Jose

$100,000 in Washington, DC buys a lifestyle closer to $113,000 in San Jose, because San Jose's cost-of-living index is 172 versus 152.

Washington, DC

Federal and contractor pay is high. DC’s own income tax is steep at the top.

COL index
152
Typical 1-bed
$2,500/mo
Comfortable salary
$129,000
$100k take-home
$73,649
Full Washington, DC 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