Software Developer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Software Developer Salary: Memphis, TN vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Software Developers in Memphis, TN and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$95,000 vs $155,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Memphis, TN
$114,458 vs $95,679
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Memphis, TN
$105,759 vs $83,987
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $95,000 | $155,000▲ | -$60,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,000 | $118,000▲ | -$46,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $122,000 | $200,000▲ | -$78,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $152,000 | $248,000▲ | -$96,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 162 | -79 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $114,458▲ | $95,679 | +$18,779 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $87,780 | $136,059▲ | -$48,279 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $105,759▲ | $83,987 | +$21,772 |
| Total Employment | 8,000 | 42,000 | -34,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Memphis, TN minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $60,000 more (median: $95,000 vs $155,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 83 vs 162), Memphis, TN provides better purchasing power ($114,458 vs $95,679 equivalent). Memphis, TN 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.