UX Designer · Salary Comparison · 2026
UX Designer Salary: Dallas, TX vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for UX Designers in Dallas, TX and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$99,000 vs $116,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Dallas, TX
$88,393 vs $71,605
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Dallas, TX
$81,675 vs $62,855
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $99,000 | $116,000▲ | -$17,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $76,230 | $89,320▲ | -$13,090 |
| 75th Percentile | $126,720 | $148,480▲ | -$21,760 |
| 90th Percentile | $158,400 | $185,600▲ | -$27,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 162 | -50 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $88,393▲ | $71,605 | +$16,788 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $91,476 | $101,825▲ | -$10,349 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $81,675▲ | $62,855 | +$18,820 |
| Total Employment | 28,000 | 33,600 | -5,600 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Dallas, TX minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $17,000 more (median: $99,000 vs $116,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 112 vs 162), Dallas, TX provides better purchasing power ($88,393 vs $71,605 equivalent). Dallas, TX has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
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.