The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Architectural And Engineering Managers: Salina vs Boulder

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

Salina, KS

$156,240/yr

Take-home$9,505/mo
Disposable$7,433/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
Best Value

Boulder, CO

$195,637/yr

Take-home$11,901/mo
Disposable$8,498/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Boulder, CO

Boulder offers $1,065 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Salina

Boulder

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$156,240

$195,637

$39,397

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$9,505

$11,901

$2,396

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

80

127

-47 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,072

$3,403

$1,331

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,192

$2,150

$958

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$7,433

$8,498

$1,065

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

4.59ร—

3.50ร—

+1.09ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

10/10 (Comfortable)

10/10 (Comfortable)

+0

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.