Cybersecurity Analyst · Salary Comparison · 2026
Cybersecurity Analyst Salary: Raleigh, NC vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Cybersecurity Analysts in Raleigh, NC and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$103,000 vs $127,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Raleigh, NC
$100,000 vs $78,395
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Raleigh, NC
$88,242 vs $68,815
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $103,000 | $127,000▲ | -$24,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,310 | $97,790▲ | -$18,480 |
| 75th Percentile | $131,840 | $162,560▲ | -$30,720 |
| 90th Percentile | $164,800 | $203,200▲ | -$38,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 162 | -59 |
| State Income Tax | 4.5%▲ | 5% | -0.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $100,000▲ | $78,395 | +$21,605 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $90,889 | $111,481▲ | -$20,592 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $88,242▲ | $68,815 | +$19,427 |
| 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 $24,000 more (median: $103,000 vs $127,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 162), Raleigh, NC provides better purchasing power ($100,000 vs $78,395 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.