Data Scientist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Data Scientist Salary: San Diego, CA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Data Scientists in San Diego, CA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$138,000 vs $162,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$90,789 vs $100,000
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$76,088 vs $92,400
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $138,000 | $162,000▲ | -$24,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $105,000 | $123,000▲ | -$18,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $179,000 | $210,000▲ | -$31,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $224,000 | $262,000▲ | -$38,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 152 | 162 | -10 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 0%▲ | +9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $90,789 | $100,000▲ | -$9,211 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $115,653 | $149,688▲ | -$34,035 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $76,088 | $92,400▲ | -$16,312 |
| Total Employment | 8,000 | 16,000 | -8,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = San Diego, CA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $24,000 more (median: $138,000 vs $162,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 152 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($90,789 vs $100,000 equivalent). Seattle, WA 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.