Cybersecurity Analyst · Salary Comparison · 2026
Cybersecurity Analyst Salary: San Diego, CA vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Cybersecurity Analysts in San Diego, CA and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$119,000 vs $127,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Boston, MA
$78,289 vs $78,395
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Boston, MA
$65,612 vs $68,815
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $119,000 | $127,000▲ | -$8,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $91,630 | $97,790▲ | -$6,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $152,320 | $162,560▲ | -$10,240 |
| 90th Percentile | $190,400 | $203,200▲ | -$12,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 152 | 162 | -10 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 5%▲ | +4.300000000000001% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $78,289 | $78,395▲ | -$106 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $99,730 | $111,481▲ | -$11,751 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $65,612 | $68,815▲ | -$3,203 |
| Total Employment | 19,200 | 33,600 | -14,400 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = San Diego, CA minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $8,000 more (median: $119,000 vs $127,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 152 vs 162), Boston, MA provides better purchasing power ($78,289 vs $78,395 equivalent). Boston, MA has the lower state tax rate (5% vs 9.3%).
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.