Arlington vs Boston: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Arlington, MA and Boston, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington, MA | Boston, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,603 | $88,292▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.75 | $42.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,750 | $54,851▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $58,034 | $68,686▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $103,172 | $111,080▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $124,935 | $137,894▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 7,930▲ |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Arlington.
The salary gap between Arlington and Boston is $7,689 (9.54%). Boston's median is +9.82% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington spans $78,185,Boston spans $83,043. Boston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced data analysts.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Boston ($81,551 effective) pays 9.78% more than Arlington ($74,288 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington if…
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($88,292/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,894)
- ✓Larger job market (7,930 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,551)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Arlington grew -49.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -16.6% growth in Boston over the same period.
Arlington, MA
$151,773 (2024) → $77,147 (2025)
Boston, MA
$101,350 (2021) → $84,506 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington, MA
Boston, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Arlington or Boston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington and Boston?
Should I relocate from Arlington to Boston as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Arlington vs Boston?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov