Salary Comparison

Data Scientist Salary:
Toronto vs Los Angeles, CA

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

Toronto
$98,724
/ year
-26%
difference
Los Angeles, CA
$133,484
/ year
Bottom line: Los Angeles wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Toronto
Los Angeles
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$98,724
$133,484✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$65,502
$86,323✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$148,795
$206,409✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$67,132
$91,277✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$78,979
$96,728✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.25×✓ lower
1.38×
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$89,083✓ higher
$86,323
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$202,361
$206,409✓ higher

What if you move from Toronto to Los Angeles?

Gross salary change
+$34,760
26% increase
Take-home change
+$24,145
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$17,749
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

Toronto$98,724
P10: $89,083Median: $98,724P90: $202,361
Los Angeles, CA$133,484
P10: $86,323Median: $133,484P90: $206,409

More Data Scientist salary comparisons

Toronto vs VancouverToronto vs MontrealToronto vs CalgaryToronto vs OttawaToronto vs EdmontonLos Angeles vs New YorkLos Angeles vs ChicagoLos Angeles vs HoustonLos Angeles vs PhoenixAll Data Scientist salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Data Scientist earn more in Toronto or Los Angeles?

The median Data Scientist salary in Toronto is CA$134,265/yr compared to $133,484/yr in Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles pays 26% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Data Scientist salary worth more in Toronto or Los Angeles after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Toronto salary has the purchasing power of $78,979/yr in a median-cost city, vs $96,728/yr for Los Angeles. Los Angeles offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Data Scientist in Toronto vs Los Angeles?

After estimated taxes, a Data Scientist in Toronto takes home approximately $67,132/yr, vs $91,277/yr in Los Angeles, CA. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.