Salary Comparison
Materials Engineers: Lawrence vs Plano
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Lawrence, KS
$102,972/yr
Plano, TX
$126,350/yr
Our recommendation: Plano, TX
Plano offers $881 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Lawrence
Plano
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$102,972
$126,350
$23,378
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$6,264
$7,686
$1,422
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
87
104
-17 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,254
$2,795
$541
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,296
$1,650
$354
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$4,010
$4,891
$881
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.78×
2.75×
+0.03×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
9/10 (Comfortable)
9/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Lawrence — 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.