Data Scientist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Data Scientist Salary: Indianapolis, IN vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Data Scientists in Indianapolis, IN and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$100,000 vs $148,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Indianapolis, IN
$111,111 vs $91,358
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Indianapolis, IN
$99,432 vs $80,194
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Indianapolis, IN | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $100,000 | $148,000▲ | -$48,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $76,000 | $112,000▲ | -$36,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,000 | $192,000▲ | -$62,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $163,000 | $240,000▲ | -$77,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 162 | -72 |
| State Income Tax | 3.15%▲ | 5% | -1.85% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $111,111▲ | $91,358 | +$19,753 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $89,489 | $129,914▲ | -$40,425 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $99,432▲ | $80,194 | +$19,238 |
| Total Employment | 4,000 | 14,000 | -10,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Indianapolis, IN minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $48,000 more (median: $100,000 vs $148,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 90 vs 162), Indianapolis, IN provides better purchasing power ($111,111 vs $91,358 equivalent). Indianapolis, IN has the lower state tax rate (3.15% 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.