Data Scientist Salary in Denver 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 Denver, Colorado and Sacramento, California.
Moving from Denver to Sacramento
To maintain your current standard of living in Denver ($152,000), you will need a salary of at least $153,200 in Sacramento due to higher local living costs.
- Housing: Housing is 2% cheaper in Sacramento (median 1-bed: $1,750/mo vs $1,780/mo in Denver).
- Taxes: Sacramento has a higher state/local tax rate (9.3% vs 4.4% in Denver), reducing your net take-home pay.
- Purchasing Power: Earning the median $154,500 in Sacramento provides an estimated 5.6% lower standard of living after tax and local expenses compared to $152,000 in Denver.
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Median for Data Scientist in Denver: $152,000
+0.8% ($1,200 difference) to match living standards.
✓ Market pay exceeds break-even by $1,300
Data Scientist Salary Percentiles: Denver vs. Sacramento
Data sourced and scaled from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS reports and regional wage indices.
| Percentile Level | Denver Base | Sacramento Base | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $93,500 | $95,000 | +2% |
| 25th Percentile (Junior / Mid) | $121,000 | $123,000 | +2% |
| 50th Percentile (Median Benchmark) | $152,000 | $154,500 | +1.6% |
| 75th Percentile (Senior Level) | $192,500 | $196,000 | +2% |
| 90th Percentile (Staff / Lead) | $240,000 | $244,000 | +2% |
Cost of Living Breakdown by Expense Category
Standardized index baseline: 100 = U.S. National Average.
Estimated Tax & Take-Home Pay Analysis
Denver (CO)State Tax: 4.4%
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?
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Find Apartments in Sacramento
Explore 1-bed rentals in Sacramento (median: $1,750/mo) and neighborhood crime/walkability scores.
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Keep Coastal Pay Anywhere
Why relocate when you can earn top-tier Sacramento salaries working 100% remotely from anywhere?
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- Standardized global/US compensation
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City Profiles & Living Factors
Denver, Colorado
A premier lifestyle destination for outdoors-focused professionals, boasting a resilient startup economy and balanced cost of living.
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 (Denver vs. Sacramento)
How much does a Data Scientist make in Denver vs. Sacramento?
In Denver, the median salary for a Data Scientist is $152,000 per year (range: $121,000 - $192,500). In Sacramento, the median salary is $154,500 per year (range: $123,000 - $196,000), representing a +1.6% compensation difference.
What salary in Sacramento equals a $152,000 salary in Denver?
To maintain the exact same standard of living as a $152,000 salary in Denver, you would need to earn approximately $153,200 in Sacramento, due to the 0.8% higher cost of living in Sacramento.
Is it more expensive to live in Denver or Sacramento?
Sacramento is more expensive overall. Sacramento has a Cost of Living Index of 125 compared to 124 for Denver. Housing is 2% cheaper in Sacramento (median 1-bed: $1,750/mo vs $1,780/mo in Denver).
How do state income taxes compare between Denver (CO) and Sacramento (CA)?
Sacramento has a higher state/local tax rate (9.3% vs 4.4% in Denver), reducing your net take-home pay. Denver has an estimated state/local income tax rate of 4.4%, while Sacramento has an estimated rate of 9.3%.
What are average rental costs in Denver vs. Sacramento?
The median 1-bedroom apartment rent in Denver is approximately $1,780/month, compared to $1,750/month in Sacramento.
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