Salary Comparison
Derrick Operators: Virginia Beach vs Topeka
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Virginia Beach, VA
$63,748/yr
Topeka, KS
$53,102/yr
Our recommendation: Topeka, KS
Topeka offers $62 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.
Full Breakdown
Virginia Beach
Topeka
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$63,748
$53,102
+$10,646
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$3,878
$3,230
+$648
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
95
68
+27 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,543
$1,833
+$710
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,460
$920
+$540
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$1,335
$1,397
$62
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.52×
1.76×
-0.24×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
6/10 (Moderate)
7/10 (Moderate)
-1
A vs B
Virginia Beach — 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.