Salary Comparison

iOS Developer Salary:
San Francisco, CA vs Boston, MA

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

San Francisco, CA
$206,940
/ year
+14%
difference
Boston, MA
$181,151
/ year
Bottom line: Boston offers better purchasing power despite San Francisco paying more gross. How is this calculated? →
Metric
San Francisco
Boston
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$206,940✓ higher
$181,151
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$133,827✓ higher
$117,150
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$319,996✓ higher
$280,118
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$138,541✓ higher
$121,004
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$123,179
$129,394✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.68×
1.40×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$133,827✓ higher
$117,150
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$319,996✓ higher
$280,118

What if you move from San Francisco to Boston?

Gross salary change
$25,789
14% decrease
Take-home change
$17,537
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$6,215
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$206,940
P10: $133,827Median: $206,940P90: $319,996
Boston, MA$181,151
P10: $117,150Median: $181,151P90: $280,118

More iOS Developer salary comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a iOS Developer earn more in San Francisco or Boston?

The median iOS Developer salary in San Francisco, CA is $206,940/yr compared to $181,151/yr in Boston, MA. San Francisco pays 14% more in gross terms.

▶Is a iOS Developer salary worth more in San Francisco or Boston after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your San Francisco salary has the purchasing power of $123,179/yr in a median-cost city, vs $129,394/yr for Boston. Boston offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a iOS Developer in San Francisco vs Boston?

After estimated taxes, a iOS Developer in San Francisco, CA takes home approximately $138,541/yr, vs $121,004/yr in Boston, MA. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.