Data Scientist Salary in Raleigh-Durham 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 Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina and Sacramento, California.
Moving from Raleigh-Durham to Sacramento
To maintain your current standard of living in Raleigh-Durham ($145,000), you will need a salary of at least $174,300 in Sacramento due to higher local living costs.
- Housing: Housing is 32% more expensive in Sacramento (median 1-bed: $1,750/mo vs $1,390/mo in Raleigh-Durham).
- Taxes: Sacramento has a higher state/local tax rate (9.3% vs 4.5% in Raleigh-Durham), reducing your net take-home pay.
- Purchasing Power: Earning the median $154,500 in Sacramento provides an estimated 16.9% lower standard of living after tax and local expenses compared to $145,000 in Raleigh-Durham.
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Median for Data Scientist in Raleigh-Durham: $145,000
+20.2% ($29,300 difference) to match living standards.
⚠ Market pay is $19,800 below break-even
Data Scientist Salary Percentiles: Raleigh-Durham vs. Sacramento
Data sourced and scaled from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS reports and regional wage indices.
| Percentile Level | Raleigh-Durham Base | Sacramento Base | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $89,500 | $95,000 | +6% |
| 25th Percentile (Junior / Mid) | $115,500 | $123,000 | +6% |
| 50th Percentile (Median Benchmark) | $145,000 | $154,500 | +6.6% |
| 75th Percentile (Senior Level) | $184,000 | $196,000 | +7% |
| 90th Percentile (Staff / Lead) | $229,000 | $244,000 | +7% |
Cost of Living Breakdown by Expense Category
Standardized index baseline: 100 = U.S. National Average.
Estimated Tax & Take-Home Pay Analysis
Raleigh-Durham (NC)State Tax: 4.5%
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
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City Profiles & Living Factors
Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina
Anchored by Research Triangle Park and top universities, Raleigh offers rapid tech growth with low living expenses.
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 (Raleigh-Durham vs. Sacramento)
How much does a Data Scientist make in Raleigh-Durham vs. Sacramento?
In Raleigh-Durham, the median salary for a Data Scientist is $145,000 per year (range: $115,500 - $184,000). In Sacramento, the median salary is $154,500 per year (range: $123,000 - $196,000), representing a +6.6% compensation difference.
What salary in Sacramento equals a $145,000 salary in Raleigh-Durham?
To maintain the exact same standard of living as a $145,000 salary in Raleigh-Durham, you would need to earn approximately $174,300 in Sacramento, due to the 20.2% higher cost of living in Sacramento.
Is it more expensive to live in Raleigh-Durham or Sacramento?
Sacramento is more expensive overall. Sacramento has a Cost of Living Index of 125 compared to 104 for Raleigh-Durham. Housing is 32% more expensive in Sacramento (median 1-bed: $1,750/mo vs $1,390/mo in Raleigh-Durham).
How do state income taxes compare between Raleigh-Durham (NC) and Sacramento (CA)?
Sacramento has a higher state/local tax rate (9.3% vs 4.5% in Raleigh-Durham), reducing your net take-home pay. Raleigh-Durham has an estimated state/local income tax rate of 4.5%, while Sacramento has an estimated rate of 9.3%.
What are average rental costs in Raleigh-Durham vs. Sacramento?
The median 1-bedroom apartment rent in Raleigh-Durham is approximately $1,390/month, compared to $1,750/month in Sacramento.
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