Business Analyst · Salary Comparison · 2026
Business Analyst Salary: Phoenix, AZ vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Business Analysts in Phoenix, AZ and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$83,000 vs $95,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$80,583 vs $76,613
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$72,597 vs $70,790
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $83,000 | $95,000▲ | -$12,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,910 | $73,150▲ | -$9,240 |
| 75th Percentile | $106,240 | $121,600▲ | -$15,360 |
| 90th Percentile | $132,800 | $152,000▲ | -$19,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 124 | -21 |
| State Income Tax | 2.5% | 0%▲ | +2.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $80,583▲ | $76,613 | +$3,970 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $74,775 | $87,780▲ | -$13,005 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $72,597▲ | $70,790 | +$1,807 |
| Total Employment | 37,500 | 57,000 | -19,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Phoenix, AZ minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $12,000 more (median: $83,000 vs $95,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 124), Phoenix, AZ provides better purchasing power ($80,583 vs $76,613 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.