Software Developer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Software Developer Salary: Austin, TX vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Software Developers in Austin, TX and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$140,000 vs $155,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$112,903 vs $95,679
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$104,323 vs $83,987
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $140,000 | $155,000▲ | -$15,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,000 | $118,000▲ | -$10,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $182,000 | $200,000▲ | -$18,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $225,000 | $248,000▲ | -$23,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 124 | 162 | -38 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $112,903▲ | $95,679 | +$17,224 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $129,360 | $136,059▲ | -$6,699 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $104,323▲ | $83,987 | +$20,336 |
| Total Employment | 38,000 | 42,000 | -4,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Austin, TX minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $15,000 more (median: $140,000 vs $155,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 124 vs 162), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($112,903 vs $95,679 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.