The "Real Paycheck" Breakdown
Earning $100,000 in San Diego doesn't mean you take home $100,000. After Federal, California, and FICA taxes, your estimated bi-weekly paycheck is roughly $2,731. This means roughly 29% of your income goes to taxes immediately.
The "Purchasing Power" Reality
Your net pay is $71,009, but in San Diego (COL Index: ~251), it *feels* different. Adjusted for local buying power, your salary effectively functions like $28,290 in an average US city. High costs here erode your earnings.
Marginal vs. Effective Rate
Don't confuse the two. While your *top* dollar is taxed at 35.3% (Marginal), your *actual* average tax burden is only 29% (Effective). In California, this distinction saves you roughly $6,300 in perceived liability compared to the sticker rate.
The "Bonus" Tax Trap
Expecting a bonus in San Diego? Be aware that supplemental income is often taxed differently. Expect a flat 22% Federal withholding plus California's supplemental rate of ~13.3%, leaving you with roughly 64.7% of that bonus check.
Marriage & Filing Status
Filing status matters in California. By filing Jointly, you double your federal standard deduction to $29,200. For many San Diego couples, this strictly prevents income from hitting higher tax brackets unnecessarily.
Common Tax Questions (FAQ)
Tools & Data Verified by the EverydayCalculators Financial Research Team.
Last updated: December 2025.