Data Scientist Salary in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles, California and San Francisco, California.
Moving from Los Angeles to San Francisco
To maintain your current standard of living in Los Angeles ($168,500), you will need a salary of at least $192,400 in San Francisco due to higher local living costs.
- Housing: Housing is 20% more expensive in San Francisco (median 1-bed: $3,100/mo vs $2,550/mo in Los Angeles).
- Taxes: Both cities have comparable state tax burdens (~9.3%).
- Purchasing Power: Earning the median $196,000 in San Francisco provides an estimated 3.8% lower standard of living after tax and local expenses compared to $168,500 in Los Angeles.
Adjust Your Los Angeles Salary
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Median for Data Scientist in Los Angeles: $168,500
+14.2% ($23,900 difference) to match living standards.
✓ Market pay exceeds break-even by $3,600
Data Scientist Salary Percentiles: Los Angeles vs. San Francisco
Data sourced and scaled from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS reports and regional wage indices.
| Percentile Level | Los Angeles Base | San Francisco Base | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $103,500 | $120,500 | +16% |
| 25th Percentile (Junior / Mid) | $134,000 | $156,000 | +16% |
| 50th Percentile (Median Benchmark) | $168,500 | $196,000 | +16.3% |
| 75th Percentile (Senior Level) | $213,500 | $248,500 | +16% |
| 90th Percentile (Staff / Lead) | $266,000 | $309,500 | +16% |
Cost of Living Breakdown by Expense Category
Standardized index baseline: 100 = U.S. National Average.
Estimated Tax & Take-Home Pay Analysis
Los Angeles (CA)State Tax: 9.3%
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
Los Angeles, California
A global creative and tech hub (Silicon Beach) with premium salaries across digital entertainment, aerospace, and consumer tech.
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 (Los Angeles vs. San Francisco)
How much does a Data Scientist make in Los Angeles vs. San Francisco?
In Los Angeles, the median salary for a Data Scientist is $168,500 per year (range: $134,000 - $213,500). In San Francisco, the median salary is $196,000 per year (range: $156,000 - $248,500), representing a +16.3% compensation difference.
What salary in San Francisco equals a $168,500 salary in Los Angeles?
To maintain the exact same standard of living as a $168,500 salary in Los Angeles, you would need to earn approximately $192,400 in San Francisco, due to the 14.2% higher cost of living in San Francisco.
Is it more expensive to live in Los Angeles or San Francisco?
San Francisco is more expensive overall. San Francisco has a Cost of Living Index of 185 compared to 162 for Los Angeles. Housing is 20% more expensive in San Francisco (median 1-bed: $3,100/mo vs $2,550/mo in Los Angeles).
How do state income taxes compare between Los Angeles (CA) and San Francisco (CA)?
Both cities have comparable state tax burdens (~9.3%). Los Angeles has an estimated state/local income tax rate of 9.3%, while San Francisco has an estimated rate of 9.3%.
What are average rental costs in Los Angeles vs. San Francisco?
The median 1-bedroom apartment rent in Los Angeles is approximately $2,550/month, compared to $3,100/month in San Francisco.
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