Cloud Architect · Salary Comparison · 2026
Cloud Architect Salary: El Paso, TX vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Cloud Architects in El Paso, TX and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$84,000 vs $147,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ El Paso, TX
$98,824 vs $90,741
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ El Paso, TX
$91,313 vs $79,652
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | El Paso, TX | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $84,000 | $147,000▲ | -$63,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,680 | $113,190▲ | -$48,510 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,520 | $188,160▲ | -$80,640 |
| 90th Percentile | $134,400 | $235,200▲ | -$100,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 85 | 162 | -77 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $98,824▲ | $90,741 | +$8,083 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $77,616 | $129,037▲ | -$51,421 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $91,313▲ | $79,652 | +$11,661 |
| Total Employment | 4,800 | 33,600 | -28,800 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = El Paso, TX minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $63,000 more (median: $84,000 vs $147,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 85 vs 162), El Paso, TX provides better purchasing power ($98,824 vs $90,741 equivalent). El Paso, 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.