Financial Analyst · Salary Comparison · 2026
Financial Analyst Salary: Seattle, WA vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Financial Analysts in Seattle, WA and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$105,000 vs $115,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Boston, MA
$64,815 vs $70,988
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Boston, MA
$59,889 vs $62,313
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $105,000 | $115,000▲ | -$10,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,000 | $85,000▲ | -$7,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,000 | $152,000▲ | -$14,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $177,000 | $195,000▲ | -$18,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 162 | 162 | — |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $64,815 | $70,988▲ | -$6,173 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $97,020 | $100,947▲ | -$3,927 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $59,889 | $62,313▲ | -$2,424 |
| Total Employment | 10,000 | 16,000 | -6,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Seattle, WA minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $10,000 more (median: $105,000 vs $115,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 162 vs 162), Boston, MA provides better purchasing power ($64,815 vs $70,988 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.