The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Traffic Technicians: Elizabeth vs Topeka

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

Elizabeth, NJ

$65,833/yr

Take-home$4,005/mo
Disposable$1,190/mo
Lifestyle5/10 · Tight

Topeka, KS

$49,620/yr

Take-home$3,019/mo
Disposable$1,186/mo
Lifestyle6/10 · Moderate

Full Breakdown

Elizabeth

Topeka

Diff (A−B)

Annual Gross Salary

$65,833

$49,620

+$16,213

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$4,005

$3,019

+$986

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

105

68

+37 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,815

$1,833

+$982

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,620

$920

+$700

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$1,190

$1,186

+$4

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better

1.42×

1.65×

-0.23×

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

5/10 (Tight)

6/10 (Moderate)

-1

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.