Salary Comparison

Data Scientist Salary:
San Francisco, CA vs Chicago, IL

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

San Francisco, CA
$207,524
/ year
+44%
difference
Chicago, IL
$144,487
/ year
Bottom line: Chicago offers better purchasing power despite San Francisco paying more gross. How is this calculated? →
Metric
San Francisco
Chicago
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$207,524✓ higher
$144,487
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$134,205✓ higher
$93,439
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$320,899✓ higher
$223,424
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$138,938✓ higher
$97,917
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$123,526
$125,641✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.68×
1.15×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$134,205✓ higher
$93,439
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$320,899✓ higher
$223,424

What if you move from San Francisco to Chicago?

Gross salary change
$63,037
44% decrease
Take-home change
$41,021
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$2,115
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

San Francisco, CA$207,524
P10: $134,205Median: $207,524P90: $320,899
Chicago, IL$144,487
P10: $93,439Median: $144,487P90: $223,424

More Data Scientist salary comparisons

San Francisco vs New YorkSan Francisco vs Los AngelesSan Francisco vs HoustonSan Francisco vs PhoenixSan Francisco vs PhiladelphiaSan Francisco vs San AntonioAll Data Scientist salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Data Scientist earn more in San Francisco or Chicago?

The median Data Scientist salary in San Francisco, CA is $207,524/yr compared to $144,487/yr in Chicago, IL. San Francisco pays 44% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Data Scientist salary worth more in San Francisco or Chicago after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your San Francisco salary has the purchasing power of $123,526/yr in a median-cost city, vs $125,641/yr for Chicago. Chicago offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Data Scientist in San Francisco vs Chicago?

After estimated taxes, a Data Scientist in San Francisco, CA takes home approximately $138,938/yr, vs $97,917/yr in Chicago, IL. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.