Salary Comparison
Patternmakers: Schenectady vs Topeka
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Schenectady, NY
$64,400/yr
Topeka, KS
$48,270/yr
Our recommendation: Schenectady, NY
Schenectady offers $483 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Schenectady
Topeka
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$64,400
$48,270
+$16,130
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$3,918
$2,936
+$982
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
$2,332
$1,833
+$499
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,341
$920
+$421
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$1,586
$1,103
+$483
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.68×
1.60×
+0.08×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
6/10 (Moderate)
6/10 (Moderate)
+0
A vs B
Schenectady — 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.