Software Developer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Software Developer Salary: Miami, FL vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Software Developers in Miami, FL and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$120,000 vs $155,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Miami, FL
$97,561 vs $95,679
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Miami, FL
$90,146 vs $83,987
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Miami, FL | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $120,000 | $155,000▲ | -$35,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,000 | $118,000▲ | -$26,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $155,000 | $200,000▲ | -$45,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $192,000 | $248,000▲ | -$56,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 123 | 162 | -39 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $97,561▲ | $95,679 | +$1,882 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $110,880 | $136,059▲ | -$25,179 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $90,146▲ | $83,987 | +$6,159 |
| Total Employment | 22,000 | 42,000 | -20,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Miami, FL minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $35,000 more (median: $120,000 vs $155,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 123 vs 162), Miami, FL provides better purchasing power ($97,561 vs $95,679 equivalent). Miami, FL 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.