Data Scientist Salary in Tampa-St. Petersburg vs. Seattle
Detailed relocation breakdown comparing gross salaries, cost-of-living differences, housing expenses, state taxes, and true purchasing power for Data Scientists moving between Tampa-St. Petersburg, Florida and Seattle, Washington.
Moving from Tampa-St. Petersburg to Seattle
To maintain your current standard of living in Tampa-St. Petersburg ($141,000), you will need a salary of at least $202,200 in Seattle due to higher local living costs.
- Housing: Housing is 82% more expensive in Seattle (median 1-bed: $2,180/mo vs $1,600/mo in Tampa-St. Petersburg).
- Taxes: Both Tampa-St. Petersburg and Seattle have 0% state income tax, allowing you to keep more of your gross salary.
- Purchasing Power: Earning the median $172,500 in Seattle provides an estimated 14.7% lower standard of living after tax and local expenses compared to $141,000 in Tampa-St. Petersburg.
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Median for Data Scientist in Tampa-St. Petersburg: $141,000
+43.4% ($61,200 difference) to match living standards.
⚠ Market pay is $29,700 below break-even
Data Scientist Salary Percentiles: Tampa-St. Petersburg vs. Seattle
Data sourced and scaled from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS reports and regional wage indices.
| Percentile Level | Tampa-St. Petersburg Base | Seattle Base | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $86,500 | $106,500 | +23% |
| 25th Percentile (Junior / Mid) | $112,000 | $137,500 | +23% |
| 50th Percentile (Median Benchmark) | $141,000 | $172,500 | +22.3% |
| 75th Percentile (Senior Level) | $178,500 | $219,000 | +23% |
| 90th Percentile (Staff / Lead) | $222,500 | $272,500 | +22% |
Cost of Living Breakdown by Expense Category
Standardized index baseline: 100 = U.S. National Average.
Estimated Tax & Take-Home Pay Analysis
Tampa-St. Petersburg (FL)State Tax: 0%
Seattle (WA)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 Seattle?
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Find Apartments in Seattle
Explore 1-bed rentals in Seattle (median: $2,180/mo) and neighborhood crime/walkability scores.
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Keep Coastal Pay Anywhere
Why relocate when you can earn top-tier Seattle salaries working 100% remotely from anywhere?
- Curated remote Data Scientist openings
- Standardized global/US compensation
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City Profiles & Living Factors
Tampa-St. Petersburg, Florida
A rapidly growing tech and financial services magnet on the Gulf Coast offering zero state income tax and year-round waterfront living.
Seattle, Washington
Home to Amazon and Microsoft, Seattle combines top-tier tech compensation with zero state income tax, balanced against premium housing costs.
Frequently Asked Questions: Data Scientist (Tampa-St. Petersburg vs. Seattle)
How much does a Data Scientist make in Tampa-St. Petersburg vs. Seattle?
In Tampa-St. Petersburg, the median salary for a Data Scientist is $141,000 per year (range: $112,000 - $178,500). In Seattle, the median salary is $172,500 per year (range: $137,500 - $219,000), representing a +22.3% compensation difference.
What salary in Seattle equals a $141,000 salary in Tampa-St. Petersburg?
To maintain the exact same standard of living as a $141,000 salary in Tampa-St. Petersburg, you would need to earn approximately $202,200 in Seattle, due to the 43.4% higher cost of living in Seattle.
Is it more expensive to live in Tampa-St. Petersburg or Seattle?
Seattle is more expensive overall. Seattle has a Cost of Living Index of 152 compared to 106 for Tampa-St. Petersburg. Housing is 82% more expensive in Seattle (median 1-bed: $2,180/mo vs $1,600/mo in Tampa-St. Petersburg).
How do state income taxes compare between Tampa-St. Petersburg (FL) and Seattle (WA)?
Both Tampa-St. Petersburg and Seattle have 0% state income tax, allowing you to keep more of your gross salary. Tampa-St. Petersburg has an estimated state/local income tax rate of 0%, while Seattle has an estimated rate of 0%.
What are average rental costs in Tampa-St. Petersburg vs. Seattle?
The median 1-bedroom apartment rent in Tampa-St. Petersburg is approximately $1,600/month, compared to $2,180/month in Seattle.
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