Salary Comparison
Data Scientists: Tacoma vs Topeka
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Tacoma, WA
$157,290/yr
Topeka, KS
$90,149/yr
Our recommendation: Tacoma, WA
Tacoma offers $3,148 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Tacoma
Topeka
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$157,290
$90,149
+$67,141
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$9,569
$5,484
+$4,085
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
103
68
+35 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,770
$1,833
+$937
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,620
$920
+$700
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$6,799
$3,651
+$3,148
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
3.45×
2.99×
+0.46×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
9/10 (Comfortable)
+1
A vs B
Tacoma — Full Details
Topeka — Full Details
Salary estimates based on BLS metro data. Cost of living from regional price indices. All figures are estimates; verify with employers before making decisions.