Salary Comparison

Full Stack Developer Salary:
Los Angeles, CA vs San Antonio, TX

Side-by-side gross salary, after-tax take-home pay, and purchasing power comparison. Updated June 2026.

Los Angeles, CA
$186,437
/ year
+60%
difference
San Antonio, TX
$116,254
/ year
Bottom line: Los Angeles wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Los Angeles
San Antonio
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$186,437✓ higher
$116,254
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$120,568✓ higher
$75,181
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$288,292✓ higher
$179,766
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$124,599✓ higher
$80,879
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$135,099✓ higher
$132,107
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.38×
0.88×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$120,568✓ higher
$75,181
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$288,292✓ higher
$179,766

What if you move from Los Angeles to San Antonio?

Gross salary change
$70,183
60% decrease
Take-home change
$43,720
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$2,992
equivalent real income

Take-home pay is estimated using 2024 US federal tax brackets (single filer) + 7.65% FICA, or a blended international effective rate. Purchasing power converts gross salary to an equivalent in a US median cost-of-living city (index 1.00×). Full methodology →

Salary Range Comparison

Los Angeles, CA$186,437
P10: $120,568Median: $186,437P90: $288,292
San Antonio, TX$116,254
P10: $75,181Median: $116,254P90: $179,766

More Full Stack Developer salary comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Full Stack Developer earn more in Los Angeles or San Antonio?

The median Full Stack Developer salary in Los Angeles, CA is $186,437/yr compared to $116,254/yr in San Antonio, TX. Los Angeles pays 60% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Full Stack Developer salary worth more in Los Angeles or San Antonio after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Los Angeles salary has the purchasing power of $135,099/yr in a median-cost city, vs $132,107/yr for San Antonio. Los Angeles offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Full Stack Developer in Los Angeles vs San Antonio?

After estimated taxes, a Full Stack Developer in Los Angeles, CA takes home approximately $124,599/yr, vs $80,879/yr in San Antonio, TX. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.