Registered Nurse · Salary Comparison · 2026
Registered Nurse Salary: Phoenix, AZ vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Registered Nurses in Phoenix, AZ and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$78,000 vs $108,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$75,728 vs $66,667
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$68,223 vs $58,520
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $78,000 | $108,000▲ | -$30,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,000 | $82,000▲ | -$22,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $100,000 | $138,000▲ | -$38,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $122,000 | $168,000▲ | -$46,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 162 | -59 |
| State Income Tax | 2.5%▲ | 5% | -2.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $75,728▲ | $66,667 | +$9,061 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $70,270 | $94,802▲ | -$24,532 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $68,223▲ | $58,520 | +$9,703 |
| Total Employment | 35,000 | 38,000 | -3,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Phoenix, AZ minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $30,000 more (median: $78,000 vs $108,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 162), Phoenix, AZ provides better purchasing power ($75,728 vs $66,667 equivalent). Phoenix, AZ has the lower state tax rate (2.5% vs 5%).
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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.