The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Architects: Topeka vs Anchorage

Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.

Topeka, KS

$76,383/yr

Take-home$4,647/mo
Disposable$2,814/mo
Lifestyle9/10 · Comfortable

Anchorage, AK

$106,620/yr

Take-home$6,486/mo
Disposable$3,761/mo
Lifestyle8/10 · Comfortable

Full Breakdown

Topeka

Anchorage

Diff (A−B)

Annual Gross Salary

$76,383

$106,620

$30,237

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$4,647

$6,486

$1,839

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

68

101

-33 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$1,833

$2,725

$892

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$920

$1,450

$530

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$2,814

$3,761

$947

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better

2.54×

2.38×

+0.16×

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

9/10 (Comfortable)

8/10 (Comfortable)

+1

A vs B

Salary estimates based on BLS metro data. Cost of living from regional price indices. All figures are estimates; verify with employers before making decisions.