Data Scientist salary: New York vs Stockholm (2026)

Stockholm pays Data Scientists 270% more than New York at the mid-level band — a median of kr 686k vs $186k.

Estimates based on public benchmarks and modelled data. How we calculate →

Median salary gap
270%
Stockholm wins by kr 501k/yr at mid-level
2026 · Gross annual base

New York

Median (mid-level)
$186k
Typical range (p25–p75)
$144k$240k
Senior median
$292k
Junior median
$103k

Stockholm

Higher pay
Median (mid-level)
kr 686k
Typical range (p25–p75)
kr 562kkr 853k
Senior median
kr 1.0M
Junior median
kr 405k

New York vs Stockholm — the verdict

Stockholm pays Data Scientists a median of kr 686k per year, around 270% more than New York's $186k. That's roughly kr 501k of additional gross base pay every year for the same role at the mid-level band.

The premium narrows once you factor in cost of living, tax, and housing. New York often delivers stronger real purchasing power, especially for early-career professionals — and the local market is typically less competitive.

Use the CompVerdict offer checker below to test a specific offer against either city's market. A strong offer sits above the p75; a fair offer lands near the median; below p25 there's a clear case to negotiate.

Data Scientist salary by experience band

BandNew YorkStockholmGap
Junior$103kkr 405k293%
Mid-level$186kkr 686k270%
Senior$292kkr 1.0M257%

Medians shown. Gap is computed against the lower-paying city at each band.

Got an offer in either city?

Knowing the gap is step one. The real question is where your specific offer sits within New York's or Stockholm's range. If your offer is in the bottom 30% for the role and city, there's a strong case to push back.

Use the CompVerdict tool to get your verdict instantly. No signup. You'll also get a ready-to-send negotiation script based on the local market.

Check an offer →

Frequently asked questions

Which city pays more for Data Scientists — New York or Stockholm?

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Stockholm pays more. The median Data Scientist salary in Stockholm is kr 686k vs $186k in New York — a 270% gap at the mid-level band. New York median is $186k; Stockholm median is kr 686k.

What's the salary gap between New York and Stockholm for Data Scientists?

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At the mid-level (3–5 years experience) band, Stockholm pays 270% more than New York for Data Scientists. The absolute difference is roughly kr 501k per year on the median. Junior and senior bands shift the gap slightly, but the direction is consistent.

Which is better for senior Data Scientists — New York or Stockholm?

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Senior Data Scientists earn kr 1.0M median in Stockholm vs $292k in New York. Stockholm maintains its lead at the senior band, often widening as total comp (equity, bonus) compounds with seniority. New York can still close the gap when you adjust for cost of living.

Are New York and Stockholm salaries cost-of-living adjusted?

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No — these are gross annual base salary figures. Stockholm typically has higher living costs alongside its higher pay. To see how either salary translates into rent affordability, use SpendVerdict; for savings potential, use PathVerdict. The headline gap of 270% narrows significantly once you adjust for housing, tax, and lifestyle costs.

Salary estimates are based on public benchmarks and modelled data. They represent gross annual base salary and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits. Read our methodology →