Data Scientist Salary in Portland 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 Portland, Oregon and Austin, Texas.
Moving from Portland to Austin
Moving from Portland to Austin yields an estimated 17.3% increase in real purchasing power after taxes and living costs.
- Housing: Housing is 16% cheaper in Austin (median 1-bed: $1,650/mo vs $1,600/mo in Portland).
- Taxes: Austin has a lower state/local tax rate (0% vs 9% in Portland), providing an extra tax advantage.
- Purchasing Power: Earning the median $149,000 in Austin provides an estimated 17.3% higher standard of living after tax and local expenses compared to $157,500 in Portland.
Adjust Your Portland Salary
Move the slider or enter your exact salary in Portland to see your required target compensation in Austin.
Median for Data Scientist in Portland: $157,500
-9.2% ($14,500 difference) to match living standards.
✓ Market pay exceeds break-even by $6,000
Data Scientist Salary Percentiles: Portland vs. Austin
Data sourced and scaled from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS reports and regional wage indices.
| Percentile Level | Portland Base | Austin Base | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $97,000 | $92,000 | -5% |
| 25th Percentile (Junior / Mid) | $125,500 | $119,000 | -5% |
| 50th Percentile (Median Benchmark) | $157,500 | $149,000 | -5.4% |
| 75th Percentile (Senior Level) | $199,500 | $189,000 | -5% |
| 90th Percentile (Staff / Lead) | $248,500 | $235,500 | -5% |
Cost of Living Breakdown by Expense Category
Standardized index baseline: 100 = U.S. National Average.
Estimated Tax & Take-Home Pay Analysis
Portland (OR)State Tax: 9%
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.
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Find Apartments in Austin
Explore 1-bed rentals in Austin (median: $1,650/mo) and neighborhood crime/walkability scores.
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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
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City Profiles & Living Factors
Portland, Oregon
Anchored by the 'Silicon Forest' (Intel, Nike tech), Portland offers scenic Pacific Northwest living and zero state sales tax.
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 (Portland vs. Austin)
How much does a Data Scientist make in Portland vs. Austin?
In Portland, the median salary for a Data Scientist is $157,500 per year (range: $125,500 - $199,500). In Austin, the median salary is $149,000 per year (range: $119,000 - $189,000), representing a -5.4% compensation difference.
What salary in Austin equals a $157,500 salary in Portland?
To maintain the exact same standard of living as a $157,500 salary in Portland, you would need to earn approximately $143,000 in Austin, due to the 9.2% lower cost of living in Austin.
Is it more expensive to live in Portland or Austin?
Portland is more expensive overall. Austin has a Cost of Living Index of 118 compared to 130 for Portland. Housing is 16% cheaper in Austin (median 1-bed: $1,650/mo vs $1,600/mo in Portland).
How do state income taxes compare between Portland (OR) and Austin (TX)?
Austin has a lower state/local tax rate (0% vs 9% in Portland), providing an extra tax advantage. Portland has an estimated state/local income tax rate of 9%, while Austin has an estimated rate of 0%.
What are average rental costs in Portland vs. Austin?
The median 1-bedroom apartment rent in Portland is approximately $1,600/month, compared to $1,650/month in Austin.
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