Data Scientist Salary in Austin vs. Portland
Detailed relocation breakdown comparing gross salaries, cost-of-living differences, housing expenses, state taxes, and true purchasing power for Data Scientists moving between Austin, Texas and Portland, Oregon.
Moving from Austin to Portland
To maintain your current standard of living in Austin ($149,000), you will need a salary of at least $164,200 in Portland due to higher local living costs.
- Housing: Housing is 20% more expensive in Portland (median 1-bed: $1,600/mo vs $1,650/mo in Austin).
- Taxes: Portland has a higher state/local tax rate (9% vs 0% in Austin), reducing your net take-home pay.
- Purchasing Power: Earning the median $157,500 in Portland provides an estimated 14.7% lower standard of living after tax and local expenses compared to $149,000 in Austin.
Adjust Your Austin Salary
Move the slider or enter your exact salary in Austin to see your required target compensation in Portland.
Median for Data Scientist in Austin: $149,000
+10.2% ($15,200 difference) to match living standards.
⚠ Market pay is $6,700 below break-even
Data Scientist Salary Percentiles: Austin vs. Portland
Data sourced and scaled from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS reports and regional wage indices.
| Percentile Level | Austin Base | Portland Base | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $92,000 | $97,000 | +5% |
| 25th Percentile (Junior / Mid) | $119,000 | $125,500 | +5% |
| 50th Percentile (Median Benchmark) | $149,000 | $157,500 | +5.7% |
| 75th Percentile (Senior Level) | $189,000 | $199,500 | +6% |
| 90th Percentile (Staff / Lead) | $235,500 | $248,500 | +6% |
Cost of Living Breakdown by Expense Category
Standardized index baseline: 100 = U.S. National Average.
Estimated Tax & Take-Home Pay Analysis
Austin (TX)State Tax: 0%
Portland (OR)State Tax: 9%
* Note: Tax estimations are based on standard single filer brackets and effective statutory rates. Actual tax obligations depend on filing status, deductions, 401(k) contributions, and local municipal withholdings.
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Find Apartments in Portland
Explore 1-bed rentals in Portland (median: $1,600/mo) and neighborhood crime/walkability scores.
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Keep Coastal Pay Anywhere
Why relocate when you can earn top-tier Portland salaries working 100% remotely from anywhere?
- Curated remote Data Scientist openings
- Standardized global/US compensation
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City Profiles & Living Factors
Austin, Texas
Known as Silicon Hills, Austin offers a booming tech ecosystem with zero state income tax, making it a prime destination for remote and hybrid tech workers.
Portland, Oregon
Anchored by the 'Silicon Forest' (Intel, Nike tech), Portland offers scenic Pacific Northwest living and zero state sales tax.
Frequently Asked Questions: Data Scientist (Austin vs. Portland)
How much does a Data Scientist make in Austin vs. Portland?
In Austin, the median salary for a Data Scientist is $149,000 per year (range: $119,000 - $189,000). In Portland, the median salary is $157,500 per year (range: $125,500 - $199,500), representing a +5.7% compensation difference.
What salary in Portland equals a $149,000 salary in Austin?
To maintain the exact same standard of living as a $149,000 salary in Austin, you would need to earn approximately $164,200 in Portland, due to the 10.2% higher cost of living in Portland.
Is it more expensive to live in Austin or Portland?
Portland is more expensive overall. Portland has a Cost of Living Index of 130 compared to 118 for Austin. Housing is 20% more expensive in Portland (median 1-bed: $1,600/mo vs $1,650/mo in Austin).
How do state income taxes compare between Austin (TX) and Portland (OR)?
Portland has a higher state/local tax rate (9% vs 0% in Austin), reducing your net take-home pay. Austin has an estimated state/local income tax rate of 0%, while Portland has an estimated rate of 9%.
What are average rental costs in Austin vs. Portland?
The median 1-bedroom apartment rent in Austin is approximately $1,650/month, compared to $1,600/month in Portland.
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