Salary Comparison
Patternmakers: Chattanooga vs Topeka
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Chattanooga, TN
$57,231/yr
Topeka, KS
$48,270/yr
Our recommendation: Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga offers $139 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Chattanooga
Topeka
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$57,231
$48,270
+$8,961
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$3,482
$2,936
+$546
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
83
68
+15 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,240
$1,833
+$407
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,220
$920
+$300
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$1,242
$1,103
+$139
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.55×
1.60×
-0.05×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
6/10 (Moderate)
6/10 (Moderate)
+0
A vs B
Chattanooga — 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.