Salary Comparison

Software Engineer Salary:
Los Angeles, CA vs Bangalore

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

Los Angeles, CA
$195,742
/ year
+838%
difference
Bangalore
$20,862
/ 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
Bangalore
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$195,742✓ higher
$20,862
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$126,585✓ higher
$13,842
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$302,680✓ higher
$31,443
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$130,926✓ higher
$17,107
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$141,842✓ higher
$46,360
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.38×
0.45×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$126,585
$1,148,886✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$302,680
$2,609,769✓ higher

What if you move from Los Angeles to Bangalore?

Gross salary change
$174,880
838% decrease
Take-home change
$113,819
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$95,482
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$195,742
P10: $126,585Median: $195,742P90: $302,680
Bangalore$20,862
P10: $1,148,886Median: $20,862P90: $2,609,769

More Software Engineer salary comparisons

Los Angeles vs New YorkLos Angeles vs ChicagoLos Angeles vs HoustonLos Angeles vs PhoenixLos Angeles vs PhiladelphiaLos Angeles vs San AntonioBangalore vs MumbaiBangalore vs HyderabadBangalore vs DelhiBangalore vs ChennaiAll Software Engineer salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Software Engineer earn more in Los Angeles or Bangalore?

The median Software Engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA is $195,742/yr compared to ₹1,731,546/yr in Bangalore. Los Angeles pays 838% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Software Engineer salary worth more in Los Angeles or Bangalore after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Los Angeles salary has the purchasing power of $141,842/yr in a median-cost city, vs $46,360/yr for Bangalore. Los Angeles offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Software Engineer in Los Angeles vs Bangalore?

After estimated taxes, a Software Engineer in Los Angeles, CA takes home approximately $130,926/yr, vs $17,107/yr in Bangalore. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.