The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Foresters: Topeka vs Fremont

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

Best Value

Topeka, KS

$60,484/yr

Take-home$3,679/mo
Disposable$1,846/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable

Fremont, CA

$103,520/yr

Take-home$6,298/mo
Disposable$2,465/mo
Lifestyle6/10 ยท Moderate
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Topeka, KS

Topeka offers higher purchasing power (8 vs 6/10), giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.

Full Breakdown

Topeka

Fremont

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$60,484

$103,520

$43,036

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$3,679

$6,298

$2,619

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

68

143

-75 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$1,833

$3,833

$2,000

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$920

$2,450

$1,530

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$1,846

$2,465

$619

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.01ร—

1.64ร—

+0.37ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

8/10 (Comfortable)

6/10 (Moderate)

+2

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.