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