Salary Comparison

Software Engineer Salary:
Singapore vs Austin, TX

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

Singapore
$72,461
/ year
-55%
difference
Austin, TX
$159,836
/ year
Bottom line: Austin wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Singapore
Austin
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$72,461
$159,836✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$48,077
$103,365✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$109,212
$247,158✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$52,897
$107,181✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$51,758
$142,711✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.40×
1.12×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$64,423
$103,365✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$146,344
$247,158✓ higher

What if you move from Singapore to Austin?

Gross salary change
+$87,375
55% increase
Take-home change
+$54,284
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$90,953
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

Singapore$72,461
P10: $64,423Median: $72,461P90: $146,344
Austin, TX$159,836
P10: $103,365Median: $159,836P90: $247,158

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Software Engineer earn more in Singapore or Austin?

The median Software Engineer salary in Singapore is S$97,098/yr compared to $159,836/yr in Austin, TX. Austin pays 55% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Software Engineer salary worth more in Singapore or Austin after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Singapore salary has the purchasing power of $51,758/yr in a median-cost city, vs $142,711/yr for Austin. Austin offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Software Engineer in Singapore vs Austin?

After estimated taxes, a Software Engineer in Singapore takes home approximately $52,897/yr, vs $107,181/yr in Austin, TX. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.