Salary Comparison

Data Engineer Salary:
London vs Boston, MA

Side-by-side gross salary, after-tax take-home pay, and purchasing power comparison. Updated June 2026.

London
$138,701
/ year
-29%
difference
Boston, MA
$194,297
/ year
Bottom line: Boston wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
London
Boston
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$138,701
$194,297✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$89,697
$125,651✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$214,477
$300,446✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$94,317
$129,944✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$92,467
$138,784✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.50×
1.40×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$70,861
$125,651✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$169,437
$300,446✓ higher

What if you move from London to Boston?

Gross salary change
+$55,596
29% increase
Take-home change
+$35,627
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$46,317
equivalent real income

Take-home pay is estimated using 2024 US federal tax brackets (single filer) + 7.65% FICA, or a blended international effective rate. Purchasing power converts gross salary to an equivalent in a US median cost-of-living city (index 1.00×). Full methodology →

Salary Range Comparison

London$138,701
P10: $70,861Median: $138,701P90: $169,437
Boston, MA$194,297
P10: $125,651Median: $194,297P90: $300,446

More Data Engineer salary comparisons

London vs ManchesterLondon vs BirminghamLondon vs EdinburghLondon vs BristolLondon vs LeedsLondon vs GlasgowBoston vs New YorkBoston vs Los AngelesBoston vs ChicagoBoston vs HoustonAll Data Engineer salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Data Engineer earn more in London or Boston?

The median Data Engineer salary in London is £109,574/yr compared to $194,297/yr in Boston, MA. Boston pays 29% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Data Engineer salary worth more in London or Boston after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your London salary has the purchasing power of $92,467/yr in a median-cost city, vs $138,784/yr for Boston. Boston offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Data Engineer in London vs Boston?

After estimated taxes, a Data Engineer in London takes home approximately $94,317/yr, vs $129,944/yr in Boston, MA. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.