San Francisco vs Santa Cruz: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between San Francisco, CA and Santa Cruz, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | Santa Cruz, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $113,747▲ | $87,582 |
| Hourly Rate | $54.70▲ | $42.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,312▲ | $50,197 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,215▲ | $61,524 |
| 75th Percentile | $142,407▲ | $108,225 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $182,166▲ | $141,123 |
| Total Employed | 10,460▲ | 80 |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Cruz.
The salary gap between San Francisco and Santa Cruz is $26,165 (29.87%). San Francisco's median is +41.49% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Francisco spans $115,854,Santa Cruz spans $90,926. San Francisco has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, San Francisco ($98,386 effective) pays 23.45% more than Santa Cruz ($79,695 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($113,747/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($182,166)
- ✓Larger job market (10,460 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,386)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Cruz if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in San Francisco grew -31.7% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -25.1% growth in Santa Cruz over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$159,310 (2021) → $108,870 (2025)
Santa Cruz, CA
$111,940 (2021) → $83,827 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
Santa Cruz, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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