Data Scientist Salary in Boston vs. San Francisco
Detailed relocation breakdown comparing gross salaries, cost-of-living differences, housing expenses, state taxes, and true purchasing power for Data Scientists moving between Boston, Massachusetts and San Francisco, California.
Moving from Boston to San Francisco
To maintain your current standard of living in Boston ($176,500), you will need a salary of at least $206,700 in San Francisco due to higher local living costs.
- Housing: Housing is 28% more expensive in San Francisco (median 1-bed: $3,100/mo vs $2,750/mo in Boston).
- Taxes: San Francisco has a higher state/local tax rate (9.3% vs 5% in Boston), reducing your net take-home pay.
- Purchasing Power: Earning the median $196,000 in San Francisco provides an estimated 15.5% lower standard of living after tax and local expenses compared to $176,500 in Boston.
Adjust Your Boston Salary
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Median for Data Scientist in Boston: $176,500
+17.1% ($30,200 difference) to match living standards.
⚠ Market pay is $10,700 below break-even
Data Scientist Salary Percentiles: Boston vs. San Francisco
Data sourced and scaled from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS reports and regional wage indices.
| Percentile Level | Boston Base | San Francisco Base | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $109,000 | $120,500 | +11% |
| 25th Percentile (Junior / Mid) | $141,000 | $156,000 | +11% |
| 50th Percentile (Median Benchmark) | $176,500 | $196,000 | +11% |
| 75th Percentile (Senior Level) | $224,000 | $248,500 | +11% |
| 90th Percentile (Staff / Lead) | $279,000 | $309,500 | +11% |
Cost of Living Breakdown by Expense Category
Standardized index baseline: 100 = U.S. National Average.
Estimated Tax & Take-Home Pay Analysis
Boston (MA)State Tax: 5%
San Francisco (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 San Francisco?
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Find Apartments in San Francisco
Explore 1-bed rentals in San Francisco (median: $3,100/mo) and neighborhood crime/walkability scores.
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Keep Coastal Pay Anywhere
Why relocate when you can earn top-tier San Francisco salaries working 100% remotely from anywhere?
- Curated remote Data Scientist openings
- Standardized global/US compensation
Targeting a Data Scientist Role in San Francisco?
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City Profiles & Living Factors
Boston, Massachusetts
The global epicenter of biotechnology, life sciences, robotics, and elite higher education with top-bracket wages.
San Francisco, California
The global epicenter of venture capital and software innovation, offering unmatched compensation packages alongside the nation's highest cost of living.
Frequently Asked Questions: Data Scientist (Boston vs. San Francisco)
How much does a Data Scientist make in Boston vs. San Francisco?
In Boston, the median salary for a Data Scientist is $176,500 per year (range: $141,000 - $224,000). In San Francisco, the median salary is $196,000 per year (range: $156,000 - $248,500), representing a +11% compensation difference.
What salary in San Francisco equals a $176,500 salary in Boston?
To maintain the exact same standard of living as a $176,500 salary in Boston, you would need to earn approximately $206,700 in San Francisco, due to the 17.1% higher cost of living in San Francisco.
Is it more expensive to live in Boston or San Francisco?
San Francisco is more expensive overall. San Francisco has a Cost of Living Index of 185 compared to 158 for Boston. Housing is 28% more expensive in San Francisco (median 1-bed: $3,100/mo vs $2,750/mo in Boston).
How do state income taxes compare between Boston (MA) and San Francisco (CA)?
San Francisco has a higher state/local tax rate (9.3% vs 5% in Boston), reducing your net take-home pay. Boston has an estimated state/local income tax rate of 5%, while San Francisco has an estimated rate of 9.3%.
What are average rental costs in Boston vs. San Francisco?
The median 1-bedroom apartment rent in Boston is approximately $2,750/month, compared to $3,100/month in San Francisco.
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