Salary Comparison

iOS Developer Salary:
San Francisco, CA vs Los Angeles, CA

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

San Francisco, CA
$238,613
/ year
+22%
difference
Los Angeles, CA
$195,249
/ 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
Los Angeles
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$238,613✓ higher
$195,249
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$154,310✓ higher
$126,267
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$368,973✓ higher
$301,918
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$159,858✓ higher
$130,591
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$142,032✓ higher
$141,485
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.68×
1.38×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$154,310✓ higher
$126,267
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$368,973✓ higher
$301,918

What if you move from San Francisco to Los Angeles?

Gross salary change
$43,364
22% decrease
Take-home change
$29,267
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$547
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
Los Angeles, CA$195,249
P10: $126,267Median: $195,249P90: $301,918

More iOS Developer salary comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median iOS Developer salary in San Francisco, CA is $238,613/yr compared to $195,249/yr in Los Angeles, CA. San Francisco pays 22% more in gross terms.

▶Is a iOS Developer salary worth more in San Francisco or Los Angeles 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 $141,485/yr for Los Angeles. San Francisco offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a iOS Developer in San Francisco, CA takes home approximately $159,858/yr, vs $130,591/yr in Los Angeles, CA. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.