Cloud Architect · Salary Comparison · 2026
Cloud Architect Salary: Raleigh, NC vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Cloud Architects in Raleigh, NC and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$119,000 vs $147,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Raleigh, NC
$115,534 vs $90,741
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Raleigh, NC
$101,950 vs $79,652
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $119,000 | $147,000▲ | -$28,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $91,630 | $113,190▲ | -$21,560 |
| 75th Percentile | $152,320 | $188,160▲ | -$35,840 |
| 90th Percentile | $190,400 | $235,200▲ | -$44,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 162 | -59 |
| State Income Tax | 4.5%▲ | 5% | -0.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $115,534▲ | $90,741 | +$24,793 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $105,008 | $129,037▲ | -$24,029 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $101,950▲ | $79,652 | +$22,298 |
| Total Employment | 17,600 | 33,600 | -16,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Raleigh, NC minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $28,000 more (median: $119,000 vs $147,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 162), Raleigh, NC provides better purchasing power ($115,534 vs $90,741 equivalent). Raleigh, NC has the lower state tax rate (4.5% vs 5%).
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.