Cloud Architect · Salary Comparison · 2026
Cloud Architect Salary: Austin, TX vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Cloud Architects in Austin, TX and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$133,000 vs $147,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$107,258 vs $90,741
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$99,106 vs $79,652
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $133,000 | $147,000▲ | -$14,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,410 | $113,190▲ | -$10,780 |
| 75th Percentile | $170,240 | $188,160▲ | -$17,920 |
| 90th Percentile | $212,800 | $235,200▲ | -$22,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 124 | 162 | -38 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $107,258▲ | $90,741 | +$16,517 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $122,892 | $129,037▲ | -$6,145 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $99,106▲ | $79,652 | +$19,454 |
| Total Employment | 30,400 | 33,600 | -3,200 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Austin, TX minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $14,000 more (median: $133,000 vs $147,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 124 vs 162), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($107,258 vs $90,741 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.