UX Designer · Salary Comparison · 2026
UX Designer Salary: Charlotte, NC vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for UX Designers in Charlotte, NC and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$86,000 vs $116,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Charlotte, NC
$84,314 vs $71,605
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Charlotte, NC
$74,400 vs $62,855
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $86,000 | $116,000▲ | -$30,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,220 | $89,320▲ | -$23,100 |
| 75th Percentile | $110,080 | $148,480▲ | -$38,400 |
| 90th Percentile | $137,600 | $185,600▲ | -$48,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 102 | 162 | -60 |
| State Income Tax | 4.5%▲ | 5% | -0.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $84,314▲ | $71,605 | +$12,709 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $75,888 | $101,825▲ | -$25,937 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $74,400▲ | $62,855 | +$11,545 |
| Total Employment | 16,000 | 33,600 | -17,600 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Charlotte, NC minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $30,000 more (median: $86,000 vs $116,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 102 vs 162), Charlotte, NC provides better purchasing power ($84,314 vs $71,605 equivalent). Charlotte, NC has the lower state tax rate (4.5% vs 5%).
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.