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Is $100k a good salary in California?
I'm being offered a job in San Francisco, and the salary is $100,000 annually. I'm trying to figure out if that's enough to live comfortably, or if I should negotiate for more. I don't really have a sense of how expensive things are out there. I mean, is that, like, ramen-every-night money? How much do you think I'd need to live in a decent neighborhood and, you know, actually enjoy life a little?
2 Answers
5
48d ago
100k in San Francisco is tight, especially if you want to live alone in a desirable neighborhood. After taxes, you're probably looking at around $6,000 a month. Rent for a decent one-bedroom apartment could easily be $3,000+. Factor in utilities, groceries, transportation, and other expenses, and you're not left with a ton of disposable income. It's doable, but you won't be living large. Consider negotiating for more, or looking at roommates/living in a less expensive neighborhood.
4
47d ago
One hundred thousand in San Francisco is doable for a recent grad without debt, but 'comfortable' is relative. Focus on optimizing housing costs; consider roommates or living slightly outside the city center. Public transportation is your friend to save on car expenses. Cook most meals at home. After taxes (federal, state, social security, medicare) you'll probably net around $60k-$70k annually. Factor in rent (easily $2k+), utilities, food, transportation, and you'll need a budget to actually save a significant amount. Negotiating a higher salary or benefits (like a signing bonus or relocation assistance) is definitely worth exploring given the cost of living. Look at sites like NerdWallet's cost of living calculator for realistic expense estimations.