Data Scientist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Data Scientist Salary: Charlotte, NC vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Data Scientists in Charlotte, NC and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$108,000 vs $148,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Charlotte, NC
$105,882 vs $91,358
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Charlotte, NC
$93,432 vs $80,194
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $108,000 | $148,000▲ | -$40,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,000 | $112,000▲ | -$30,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $140,000 | $192,000▲ | -$52,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $175,000 | $240,000▲ | -$65,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 102 | 162 | -60 |
| State Income Tax | 4.5%▲ | 5% | -0.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $105,882▲ | $91,358 | +$14,524 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $95,301 | $129,914▲ | -$34,613 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $93,432▲ | $80,194 | +$13,238 |
| Total Employment | 6,000 | 14,000 | -8,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Charlotte, NC minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $40,000 more (median: $108,000 vs $148,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 102 vs 162), Charlotte, NC provides better purchasing power ($105,882 vs $91,358 equivalent). Charlotte, NC has the lower state tax rate (4.5% vs 5%).
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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.