Software Developer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Software Developer Salary: San Diego, CA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Software Developers in San Diego, CA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$145,000 vs $170,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$95,395 vs $104,938
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$79,947 vs $96,963
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $145,000 | $170,000▲ | -$25,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $112,000 | $130,000▲ | -$18,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $188,000 | $218,000▲ | -$30,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $232,000 | $270,000▲ | -$38,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 152 | 162 | -10 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 0%▲ | +9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $95,395 | $104,938▲ | -$9,543 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $121,520 | $157,080▲ | -$35,560 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $79,947 | $96,963▲ | -$17,016 |
| Total Employment | 24,000 | 58,000 | -34,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = San Diego, CA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $25,000 more (median: $145,000 vs $170,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 152 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($95,395 vs $104,938 equivalent). Seattle, WA has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
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Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.