The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Software Developers: Albany vs Topeka

Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.

Best Value

Albany, NY

$133,079/yr

Take-home$8,096/mo
Disposable$5,453/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable

Topeka, KS

$106,253/yr

Take-home$6,464/mo
Disposable$4,631/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Albany, NY

Albany offers $822 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Albany

Topeka

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$133,079

$106,253

+$26,826

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$8,096

$6,464

+$1,632

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

102

68

+34 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,643

$1,833

+$810

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,520

$920

+$600

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$5,453

$4,631

+$822

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

3.06ร—

3.53ร—

-0.47ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

10/10 (Comfortable)

10/10 (Comfortable)

+0

A vs B

Salary estimates based on BLS metro data. Cost of living from regional price indices. All figures are estimates; verify with employers before making decisions.