Salary Comparison

Data Scientist Salary:
Sydney vs Boston, MA

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

Sydney
$103,806
/ year
-39%
difference
Boston, MA
$170,251
/ year
Bottom line: Boston wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Sydney
Boston
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$103,806
$170,251✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$68,874
$110,101✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$156,454
$263,263✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$70,588
$113,592✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$76,893
$121,608✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.35×✓ lower
1.40×
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$104,688
$110,101✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$237,810
$263,263✓ higher

What if you move from Sydney to Boston?

Gross salary change
+$66,445
39% increase
Take-home change
+$43,004
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$44,715
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

Sydney$103,806
P10: $104,688Median: $103,806P90: $237,810
Boston, MA$170,251
P10: $110,101Median: $170,251P90: $263,263

More Data Scientist salary comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Data Scientist earn more in Sydney or Boston?

The median Data Scientist salary in Sydney is A$157,785/yr compared to $170,251/yr in Boston, MA. Boston pays 39% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Data Scientist salary worth more in Sydney or Boston after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Sydney salary has the purchasing power of $76,893/yr in a median-cost city, vs $121,608/yr for Boston. Boston offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Data Scientist in Sydney vs Boston?

After estimated taxes, a Data Scientist in Sydney takes home approximately $70,588/yr, vs $113,592/yr in Boston, MA. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.