UX Designer · Salary Comparison · 2026
UX Designer Salary: Memphis, TN vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for UX Designers in Memphis, TN and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$71,000 vs $116,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Memphis, TN
$85,542 vs $71,605
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Memphis, TN
$79,041 vs $62,855
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $71,000 | $116,000▲ | -$45,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,670 | $89,320▲ | -$34,650 |
| 75th Percentile | $90,880 | $148,480▲ | -$57,600 |
| 90th Percentile | $113,600 | $185,600▲ | -$72,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 162 | -79 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $85,542▲ | $71,605 | +$13,937 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $65,604 | $101,825▲ | -$36,221 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $79,041▲ | $62,855 | +$16,186 |
| Total Employment | 6,400 | 33,600 | -27,200 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Memphis, TN minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $45,000 more (median: $71,000 vs $116,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 83 vs 162), Memphis, TN provides better purchasing power ($85,542 vs $71,605 equivalent). Memphis, TN 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.