Salary Comparison
Geological Technicians: Houston vs Topeka
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Houston, TX
$56,770/yr
Topeka, KS
$42,698/yr
Our recommendation: Houston, TX
Houston offers $274 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Houston
Topeka
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$56,770
$42,698
+$14,072
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$3,454
$2,598
+$856
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
90
68
+22 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,415
$1,833
+$582
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,350
$920
+$430
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$1,039
$765
+$274
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.43×
1.42×
+0.01×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
5/10 (Tight)
5/10 (Tight)
+0
A vs B
Houston — 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.