Salary Comparison
Mathematicians: Pasadena vs Wichita
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Pasadena, CA
$149,150/yr
Wichita, KS
$106,823/yr
Our recommendation: Wichita, KS
Wichita offers higher purchasing power (10 vs 8/10), giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.
Full Breakdown
Pasadena
Wichita
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$149,150
$106,823
+$42,327
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$9,073
$6,498
+$2,575
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
138
71
+67 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$3,700
$1,905
+$1,795
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$2,350
$980
+$1,370
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$5,373
$4,593
+$780
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.45×
3.41×
-0.96×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
8/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
-2
A vs B
Pasadena — Full Details
Wichita — 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.