Data Scientist Salary in Boise vs. Sacramento
Detailed relocation breakdown comparing gross salaries, cost-of-living differences, housing expenses, state taxes, and true purchasing power for Data Scientists moving between Boise, Idaho and Sacramento, California.
Moving from Boise to Sacramento
To maintain your current standard of living in Boise ($139,500), you will need a salary of at least $161,500 in Sacramento due to higher local living costs.
- Housing: Housing is 23% more expensive in Sacramento (median 1-bed: $1,750/mo vs $1,420/mo in Boise).
- Taxes: Sacramento has a higher state/local tax rate (9.3% vs 5.8% in Boise), reducing your net take-home pay.
- Purchasing Power: Earning the median $154,500 in Sacramento provides an estimated 8.8% lower standard of living after tax and local expenses compared to $139,500 in Boise.
Adjust Your Boise Salary
Move the slider or enter your exact salary in Boise to see your required target compensation in Sacramento.
Median for Data Scientist in Boise: $139,500
+15.8% ($22,000 difference) to match living standards.
⚠ Market pay is $7,000 below break-even
Data Scientist Salary Percentiles: Boise vs. Sacramento
Data sourced and scaled from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS reports and regional wage indices.
| Percentile Level | Boise Base | Sacramento Base | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $86,000 | $95,000 | +10% |
| 25th Percentile (Junior / Mid) | $111,000 | $123,000 | +11% |
| 50th Percentile (Median Benchmark) | $139,500 | $154,500 | +10.8% |
| 75th Percentile (Senior Level) | $177,000 | $196,000 | +11% |
| 90th Percentile (Staff / Lead) | $220,000 | $244,000 | +11% |
Cost of Living Breakdown by Expense Category
Standardized index baseline: 100 = U.S. National Average.
Estimated Tax & Take-Home Pay Analysis
Boise (ID)State Tax: 5.8%
Sacramento (CA)State Tax: 9.3%
* 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.
Planning a Move to Sacramento?
Compare instant free quotes from licensed interstate and long-distance moving companies between Boise and Sacramento.
- Save up to 40% on interstate moving
- Verified, insured van lines
Find Apartments in Sacramento
Explore 1-bed rentals in Sacramento (median: $1,750/mo) and neighborhood crime/walkability scores.
- Verified rental listings in CA
- Virtual tours & direct landlord contacts
Keep Coastal Pay Anywhere
Why relocate when you can earn top-tier Sacramento salaries working 100% remotely from anywhere?
- Curated remote Data Scientist openings
- Standardized global/US compensation
Targeting a Data Scientist Role in Sacramento?
Use our free ATS Resume Builder with role-specific bullet point enhancers and match scoring to stand out to hiring managers.
City Profiles & Living Factors
Boise, Idaho
A fast-growing Pacific Northwest tech and lifestyle haven offering low crime, great outdoor recreation, and a burgeoning tech startup scene.
Sacramento, California
An increasingly popular Northern California destination for remote tech workers seeking more affordable housing within driving distance of Silicon Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions: Data Scientist (Boise vs. Sacramento)
How much does a Data Scientist make in Boise vs. Sacramento?
In Boise, the median salary for a Data Scientist is $139,500 per year (range: $111,000 - $177,000). In Sacramento, the median salary is $154,500 per year (range: $123,000 - $196,000), representing a +10.8% compensation difference.
What salary in Sacramento equals a $139,500 salary in Boise?
To maintain the exact same standard of living as a $139,500 salary in Boise, you would need to earn approximately $161,500 in Sacramento, due to the 15.7% higher cost of living in Sacramento.
Is it more expensive to live in Boise or Sacramento?
Sacramento is more expensive overall. Sacramento has a Cost of Living Index of 125 compared to 108 for Boise. Housing is 23% more expensive in Sacramento (median 1-bed: $1,750/mo vs $1,420/mo in Boise).
How do state income taxes compare between Boise (ID) and Sacramento (CA)?
Sacramento has a higher state/local tax rate (9.3% vs 5.8% in Boise), reducing your net take-home pay. Boise has an estimated state/local income tax rate of 5.8%, while Sacramento has an estimated rate of 9.3%.
What are average rental costs in Boise vs. Sacramento?
The median 1-bedroom apartment rent in Boise is approximately $1,420/month, compared to $1,750/month in Sacramento.
Explore More Relocation Destinations for Data Scientist
Compare Boise with other top tech and economic hubs.