The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Network Architects: Boulder vs Topeka

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

Boulder, CO

$149,979/yr

Take-home$9,124/mo
Disposable$5,721/mo
Lifestyle9/10 · Comfortable

Topeka, KS

$104,289/yr

Take-home$6,344/mo
Disposable$4,511/mo
Lifestyle10/10 · Comfortable

Full Breakdown

Boulder

Topeka

Diff (A−B)

Annual Gross Salary

$149,979

$104,289

+$45,690

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$9,124

$6,344

+$2,780

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

127

68

+59 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$3,403

$1,833

+$1,570

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$2,150

$920

+$1,230

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$5,721

$4,511

+$1,210

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better

2.68×

3.46×

-0.78×

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

9/10 (Comfortable)

10/10 (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.