Data Scientist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Data Scientist Salary: Minneapolis, MN vs San Francisco, CA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Data Scientists in Minneapolis, MN and San Francisco, CA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ San Francisco, CA
$118,000 vs $165,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Minneapolis, MN
$106,306 vs $88,710
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Minneapolis, MN
$91,548 vs $74,345
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | San Francisco, CA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $118,000 | $165,000▲ | -$47,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $90,000 | $125,000▲ | -$35,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $153,000 | $215,000▲ | -$62,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $191,000 | $270,000▲ | -$79,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 111 | 186 | -75 |
| State Income Tax | 6.8%▲ | 9.3% | -2.500000000000001% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $106,306▲ | $88,710 | +$17,596 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $101,618 | $138,281▲ | -$36,663 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $91,548▲ | $74,345 | +$17,203 |
| Total Employment | 7,000 | 18,000 | -11,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Minneapolis, MN minus San Francisco, CA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, San Francisco, CA pays $47,000 more (median: $118,000 vs $165,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 111 vs 186), Minneapolis, MN provides better purchasing power ($106,306 vs $88,710 equivalent). Minneapolis, MN has the lower state tax rate (6.8% vs 9.3%).
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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.