Data Scientist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Data Scientist Salary: Phoenix, AZ vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Data Scientists in Phoenix, AZ and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$115,000 vs $148,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$111,650 vs $91,358
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$100,586 vs $80,194
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $115,000 | $148,000▲ | -$33,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,000 | $112,000▲ | -$25,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $149,000 | $192,000▲ | -$43,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $186,000 | $240,000▲ | -$54,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 162 | -59 |
| State Income Tax | 2.5%▲ | 5% | -2.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $111,650▲ | $91,358 | +$20,292 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $103,604 | $129,914▲ | -$26,310 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $100,586▲ | $80,194 | +$20,392 |
| Total Employment | 8,000 | 14,000 | -6,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Phoenix, AZ minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $33,000 more (median: $115,000 vs $148,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 162), Phoenix, AZ provides better purchasing power ($111,650 vs $91,358 equivalent). Phoenix, AZ has the lower state tax rate (2.5% vs 5%).
4More Data Scientist City Comparisons
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.