Accountant · Salary Comparison · 2026
Accountant Salary: Phoenix, AZ vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Accountants in Phoenix, AZ and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$68,000 vs $75,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$66,019 vs $60,484
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$59,477 vs $55,887
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $68,000 | $75,000▲ | -$7,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,000 | $57,000▲ | -$5,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $88,000 | $97,000▲ | -$9,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $111,000 | $122,000▲ | -$11,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 124 | -21 |
| State Income Tax | 2.5% | 0%▲ | +2.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $66,019▲ | $60,484 | +$5,535 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $61,261 | $69,300▲ | -$8,039 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $59,477▲ | $55,887 | +$3,590 |
| Total Employment | 15,000 | 14,000 | +1,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Phoenix, AZ minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $7,000 more (median: $68,000 vs $75,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 124), Phoenix, AZ provides better purchasing power ($66,019 vs $60,484 equivalent). Austin, TX has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.