Investment Banker · Salary Comparison · 2026
Investment Banker Salary: Houston, TX vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Investment Bankers in Houston, TX and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$141,000 vs $171,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Houston, TX
$131,776 vs $105,556
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Houston, TX
$121,761 vs $92,657
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $141,000 | $171,000▲ | -$30,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,570 | $131,670▲ | -$23,100 |
| 75th Percentile | $180,480 | $218,880▲ | -$38,400 |
| 90th Percentile | $225,600 | $273,600▲ | -$48,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 162 | -55 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $131,776▲ | $105,556 | +$26,220 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $130,284 | $150,104▲ | -$19,820 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $121,761▲ | $92,657 | +$29,104 |
| Total Employment | 22,400 | 33,600 | -11,200 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Houston, TX minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $30,000 more (median: $141,000 vs $171,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 107 vs 162), Houston, TX provides better purchasing power ($131,776 vs $105,556 equivalent). Houston, TX has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
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.