Software Developer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Software Developer Salary: Los Angeles, CA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Software Developers in Los Angeles, CA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Los Angeles, CA
$150,000 vs $140,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$86,705 vs $112,903
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$72,665 vs $104,323
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $150,000▲ | $140,000 | +$10,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $115,000▲ | $108,000 | +$7,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $195,000▲ | $182,000 | +$13,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $242,000▲ | $225,000 | +$17,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 173 | 124 | +49 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 0%▲ | +9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $86,705 | $112,903▲ | -$26,198 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $125,710 | $129,360▲ | -$3,650 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $72,665 | $104,323▲ | -$31,658 |
| Total Employment | 48,000 | 38,000 | +10,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Los Angeles, CA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Los Angeles, CA pays $10,000 more (median: $150,000 vs $140,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 173 vs 124), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($86,705 vs $112,903 equivalent). Austin, TX has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
4More Software Developer City Comparisons
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.