Salary Comparison

Software Engineer Salary:
Singapore vs Boston, MA

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

Singapore
$72,461
/ year
-62%
difference
Boston, MA
$189,085
/ year
Bottom line: Boston wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Singapore
Boston
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$72,461
$189,085✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$48,077
$122,280✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$109,212
$292,387✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$52,897
$126,399✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$51,758
$135,061✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.40×✓ lower
1.40×
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$64,423
$122,280✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$146,344
$292,387✓ higher

What if you move from Singapore to Boston?

Gross salary change
+$116,624
62% increase
Take-home change
+$73,502
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$83,303
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
Boston, MA$189,085
P10: $122,280Median: $189,085P90: $292,387

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median Software Engineer salary in Singapore is S$97,098/yr compared to $189,085/yr in Boston, MA. Boston pays 62% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Software Engineer salary worth more in Singapore or Boston 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 $135,061/yr for Boston. Boston offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a Software Engineer in Singapore takes home approximately $52,897/yr, vs $126,399/yr in Boston, MA. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.