Data Scientist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Data Scientist Salary: Richmond, VA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Data Scientists in Richmond, VA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$108,000 vs $132,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Richmond, VA
$106,931 vs $106,452
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$93,123 vs $98,361
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $108,000 | $132,000▲ | -$24,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,000 | $100,000▲ | -$18,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $140,000 | $172,000▲ | -$32,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $175,000 | $215,000▲ | -$40,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101 | 124 | -23 |
| State Income Tax | 5.75% | 0%▲ | +5.75% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $106,931▲ | $106,452 | +$479 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $94,054 | $121,968▲ | -$27,914 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $93,123 | $98,361▲ | -$5,238 |
| Total Employment | 4,000 | 12,000 | -8,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Richmond, VA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $24,000 more (median: $108,000 vs $132,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 101 vs 124), Richmond, VA provides better purchasing power ($106,931 vs $106,452 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.