Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary in California: Cost of Living Adjusted (2024)

What does a Computer and Information Research Scientists salary really buy you in California?

California is 12.5% pricier than the US average

Data: BLS OEWS 2024 + BEA Regional Price Parities 2022 • Updated 2026-03-31

Nominal Salary

$156,290

Median annual (2024)

→ -11.1%

Real Purchasing Power

$138,924

COL-adjusted (RPP=112.5)

California Cost of Living Index

California's Regional Price Parity (RPP) is 112.5, meaning prices are 12.5% higher the national average. A Computer and Information Research Scientists earning $156,290 in California has the equivalent purchasing power of $138,924 in an average-cost US state.

CA: 112.5

Cheapest (~85) US Avg (100) Priciest (~115)

Key Insight

While $156,290 sounds high, California's elevated cost of living erases 11% of that salary's purchasing power. Your real buying power is $138,924. Consider whether the higher pay offsets the higher costs.

Best States for Computer and Information Research Scientists (After Cost of Living)

Where does Computer and Information Research Scientists salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.

1. Washington

$202,176

RPP 109.8

2. New Mexico

$195,736

RPP 91.0

3. West Virginia

$191,423

RPP 89.2

4. New York

$183,447

RPP 107.6

5. Wisconsin

$180,595

RPP 92.3

6. Idaho

$175,522

RPP 91.8

7. Oregon

$168,864

RPP 106.6

8. Massachusetts

$152,568

RPP 109.4

9. Virginia

$150,186

RPP 102.1

10. Ohio

$148,240

RPP 91.5

California ranks #11 out of 38 states for Computer and Information Research Scientists after cost-of-living adjustment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real salary for a Computer and Information Research Scientists in California after cost of living?

A Computer and Information Research Scientists in California earns a median salary of $156,290 per year. After adjusting for California's cost of living (RPP=112.5), the real purchasing power is $138,924 — a -11.1% difference.

Is California expensive to live in?

California's cost of living is 12.5% higher than the national average according to the BEA Regional Price Parities (2022). The RPP index for California is 112.5 (US average = 100).

What are Regional Price Parities (RPP)?

Regional Price Parities (RPPs) are price indexes published by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) that measure differences in price levels across states. They are expressed as a percentage of the national average (US = 100). Higher RPP means higher cost of living.

How is the cost-of-living adjusted salary calculated?

The adjusted salary is calculated as: Nominal Salary x (100 / RPP). For a Computer and Information Research Scientists in California: $156,290 x (100 / 112.5) = $138,924. This represents what the salary would be worth in a state with average living costs.

Does the high cost of living in California offset the salary?

Partially — a Computer and Information Research Scientists's nominal salary of $156,290 in California has 11.1% less purchasing power due to higher living costs. The real value is $138,924. However, California may offer better career opportunities, networking, and industry access.