The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Programmers: Topeka vs Boulder

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

Topeka, KS

$81,911/yr

Take-home$4,983/mo
Disposable$3,150/mo
Lifestyle9/10 · Comfortable

Boulder, CO

$117,798/yr

Take-home$7,166/mo
Disposable$3,763/mo
Lifestyle8/10 · Comfortable

Full Breakdown

Topeka

Boulder

Diff (A−B)

Annual Gross Salary

$81,911

$117,798

$35,887

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$4,983

$7,166

$2,183

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

68

127

-59 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$1,833

$3,403

$1,570

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$920

$2,150

$1,230

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$3,150

$3,763

$613

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better

2.72×

2.11×

+0.61×

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.