Data Scientist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Data Scientist Salary: Austin, TX vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Data Scientists in Austin, TX and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$132,000 vs $148,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$106,452 vs $91,358
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$98,361 vs $80,194
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $132,000 | $148,000▲ | -$16,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $100,000 | $112,000▲ | -$12,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $172,000 | $192,000▲ | -$20,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $215,000 | $240,000▲ | -$25,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 124 | 162 | -38 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $106,452▲ | $91,358 | +$15,094 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $121,968 | $129,914▲ | -$7,946 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $98,361▲ | $80,194 | +$18,167 |
| Total Employment | 12,000 | 14,000 | -2,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Austin, TX minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $16,000 more (median: $132,000 vs $148,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 124 vs 162), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($106,452 vs $91,358 equivalent). Austin, TX has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
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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.