Data Scientist Salary in Houston vs. Austin
Detailed relocation breakdown comparing gross salaries, cost-of-living differences, housing expenses, state taxes, and true purchasing power for Data Scientists moving between Houston, Texas and Austin, Texas.
Moving from Houston to Austin
To maintain your current standard of living in Houston ($146,500), you will need a salary of at least $169,500 in Austin due to higher local living costs.
- Housing: Housing is 30% more expensive in Austin (median 1-bed: $1,650/mo vs $1,350/mo in Houston).
- Taxes: Both Houston and Austin have 0% state income tax, allowing you to keep more of your gross salary.
- Purchasing Power: Earning the median $149,000 in Austin provides an estimated 12.1% lower standard of living after tax and local expenses compared to $146,500 in Houston.
Adjust Your Houston Salary
Move the slider or enter your exact salary in Houston to see your required target compensation in Austin.
Median for Data Scientist in Houston: $146,500
+15.7% ($23,000 difference) to match living standards.
⚠ Market pay is $20,500 below break-even
Data Scientist Salary Percentiles: Houston vs. Austin
Data sourced and scaled from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS reports and regional wage indices.
| Percentile Level | Houston Base | Austin Base | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $90,000 | $92,000 | +2% |
| 25th Percentile (Junior / Mid) | $116,500 | $119,000 | +2% |
| 50th Percentile (Median Benchmark) | $146,500 | $149,000 | +1.7% |
| 75th Percentile (Senior Level) | $185,500 | $189,000 | +2% |
| 90th Percentile (Staff / Lead) | $231,000 | $235,500 | +2% |
Cost of Living Breakdown by Expense Category
Standardized index baseline: 100 = U.S. National Average.
Estimated Tax & Take-Home Pay Analysis
Houston (TX)State Tax: 0%
Austin (TX)State Tax: 0%
* 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 Austin?
Compare instant free quotes from licensed interstate and long-distance moving companies between Houston and Austin.
- Save up to 40% on interstate moving
- Verified, insured van lines
Find Apartments in Austin
Explore 1-bed rentals in Austin (median: $1,650/mo) and neighborhood crime/walkability scores.
- Verified rental listings in TX
- Virtual tours & direct landlord contacts
Keep Coastal Pay Anywhere
Why relocate when you can earn top-tier Austin salaries working 100% remotely from anywhere?
- Curated remote Data Scientist openings
- Standardized global/US compensation
Targeting a Data Scientist Role in Austin?
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
Houston, Texas
A diverse global powerhouse with zero state income tax, affordable real estate, and booming energy transition and aerospace sectors.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions: Data Scientist (Houston vs. Austin)
How much does a Data Scientist make in Houston vs. Austin?
In Houston, the median salary for a Data Scientist is $146,500 per year (range: $116,500 - $185,500). In Austin, the median salary is $149,000 per year (range: $119,000 - $189,000), representing a +1.7% compensation difference.
What salary in Austin equals a $146,500 salary in Houston?
To maintain the exact same standard of living as a $146,500 salary in Houston, you would need to earn approximately $169,500 in Austin, due to the 15.7% higher cost of living in Austin.
Is it more expensive to live in Houston or Austin?
Austin is more expensive overall. Austin has a Cost of Living Index of 118 compared to 102 for Houston. Housing is 30% more expensive in Austin (median 1-bed: $1,650/mo vs $1,350/mo in Houston).
How do state income taxes compare between Houston (TX) and Austin (TX)?
Both Houston and Austin have 0% state income tax, allowing you to keep more of your gross salary. Houston has an estimated state/local income tax rate of 0%, while Austin has an estimated rate of 0%.
What are average rental costs in Houston vs. Austin?
The median 1-bedroom apartment rent in Houston is approximately $1,350/month, compared to $1,650/month in Austin.
Explore More Relocation Destinations for Data Scientist
Compare Houston with other top tech and economic hubs.