Salary Comparison

iOS Developer Salary:
San Francisco, CA vs Houston, TX

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

San Francisco, CA
$238,613
/ year
+74%
difference
Houston, TX
$136,981
/ year
Bottom line: San Francisco wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
San Francisco
Houston
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$238,613✓ higher
$136,981
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$154,310✓ higher
$88,585
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$368,973✓ higher
$211,817
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$159,858✓ higher
$93,388
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$142,032✓ higher
$139,777
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.68×
0.98×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$154,310✓ higher
$88,585
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$368,973✓ higher
$211,817

What if you move from San Francisco to Houston?

Gross salary change
$101,632
74% decrease
Take-home change
$66,470
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$2,255
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

San Francisco, CA$238,613
P10: $154,310Median: $238,613P90: $368,973
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 San Francisco or Houston?

The median iOS Developer salary in San Francisco, CA is $238,613/yr compared to $136,981/yr in Houston, TX. San Francisco pays 74% more in gross terms.

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

After adjusting for local cost of living, your San Francisco salary has the purchasing power of $142,032/yr in a median-cost city, vs $139,777/yr for Houston. San Francisco offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a iOS Developer in San Francisco, CA takes home approximately $159,858/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.