Cloud Architect · Salary Comparison · 2026
Cloud Architect Salary: El Paso, TX vs San Francisco, CA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Cloud Architects in El Paso, TX and San Francisco, CA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ San Francisco, CA
$84,000 vs $166,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ El Paso, TX
$98,824 vs $89,247
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ El Paso, TX
$91,313 vs $74,795
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | El Paso, TX | San Francisco, CA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $84,000 | $166,000▲ | -$82,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,680 | $127,820▲ | -$63,140 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,520 | $212,480▲ | -$104,960 |
| 90th Percentile | $134,400 | $265,600▲ | -$131,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 85 | 186 | -101 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 9.3% | -9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $98,824▲ | $89,247 | +$9,577 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $77,616 | $139,119▲ | -$61,503 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $91,313▲ | $74,795 | +$16,518 |
| Total Employment | 4,800 | 41,600 | -36,800 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = El Paso, TX minus San Francisco, CA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, San Francisco, CA pays $82,000 more (median: $84,000 vs $166,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 85 vs 186), El Paso, TX provides better purchasing power ($98,824 vs $89,247 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.