Salary Comparison

iOS Developer Salary:
Los Angeles, CA vs Houston, TX

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

Los Angeles, CA
$195,249
/ year
+43%
difference
Houston, TX
$136,981
/ 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
Houston
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$195,249✓ higher
$136,981
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$126,267✓ higher
$88,585
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$301,918✓ higher
$211,817
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$130,591✓ higher
$93,388
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$141,485✓ higher
$139,777
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.38×
0.98×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$126,267✓ higher
$88,585
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$301,918✓ higher
$211,817

What if you move from Los Angeles to Houston?

Gross salary change
$58,268
43% decrease
Take-home change
$37,203
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$1,708
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$195,249
P10: $126,267Median: $195,249P90: $301,918
Houston, TX$136,981
P10: $88,585Median: $136,981P90: $211,817

More iOS Developer salary comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a iOS Developer earn more in Los Angeles or Houston?

The median iOS Developer salary in Los Angeles, CA is $195,249/yr compared to $136,981/yr in Houston, TX. Los Angeles pays 43% more in gross terms.

▶Is a iOS Developer salary worth more in Los Angeles or Houston after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Los Angeles salary has the purchasing power of $141,485/yr in a median-cost city, vs $139,777/yr for Houston. Los Angeles offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a iOS Developer in Los Angeles vs Houston?

After estimated taxes, a iOS Developer in Los Angeles, CA takes home approximately $130,591/yr, vs $93,388/yr in Houston, TX. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.