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Seattle vs San Francisco – which pays more?
I'm trying to figure out where I can maximize my earnings as a software engineer. I know both cities are expensive, but which one generally offers higher salaries, taking cost of living into account? I have about 5 years of experience and specialize in backend development.
2 Answers
6
97d ago
San Francisco often has higher nominal salaries for software engineers with your experience level. However, consider the real difference after accounting for rent, taxes (state and local), and everyday expenses. While SF might offer, say, 15-20% more on paper, your disposable income might not be that much higher, or even lower, due to the extreme cost of housing. Seattle has been catching up salary-wise, so run a detailed cost-of-living comparison for your specific situation.
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95d ago
Levels.fyi is a good starting point to compare compensation packages, but make sure to filter by your specific role and experience level. Also, factor in state income taxes; California's are significantly higher than Washington's. Don't just look at the base salary; consider bonuses, equity, and benefits.