UX Designer · Salary Comparison · 2026
UX Designer Salary: Phoenix, AZ vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for UX Designers in Phoenix, AZ and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$92,000 vs $116,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$89,320 vs $71,605
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$80,469 vs $62,855
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $92,000 | $116,000▲ | -$24,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,840 | $89,320▲ | -$18,480 |
| 75th Percentile | $117,760 | $148,480▲ | -$30,720 |
| 90th Percentile | $147,200 | $185,600▲ | -$38,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 162 | -59 |
| State Income Tax | 2.5%▲ | 5% | -2.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $89,320▲ | $71,605 | +$17,715 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $82,883 | $101,825▲ | -$18,942 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $80,469▲ | $62,855 | +$17,614 |
| Total Employment | 20,000 | 33,600 | -13,600 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Phoenix, AZ minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $24,000 more (median: $92,000 vs $116,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 162), Phoenix, AZ provides better purchasing power ($89,320 vs $71,605 equivalent). Phoenix, AZ has the lower state tax rate (2.5% 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.