Software Developer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Software Developer Salary: Raleigh, NC vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Software Developers in Raleigh, NC and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$125,000 vs $140,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Raleigh, NC
$121,359 vs $112,903
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Raleigh, NC
$107,090 vs $104,323
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $125,000 | $140,000▲ | -$15,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $96,000 | $108,000▲ | -$12,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $162,000 | $182,000▲ | -$20,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $200,000 | $225,000▲ | -$25,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 124 | -21 |
| State Income Tax | 4.5% | 0%▲ | +4.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $121,359▲ | $112,903 | +$8,456 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $110,303 | $129,360▲ | -$19,057 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $107,090▲ | $104,323 | +$2,767 |
| Total Employment | 22,000 | 38,000 | -16,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Raleigh, NC minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $15,000 more (median: $125,000 vs $140,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 124), Raleigh, NC provides better purchasing power ($121,359 vs $112,903 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.