Salary Comparison
Computer Hardware Engineers: Ames vs Redmond
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Ames, IA
$120,541/yr
Redmond, WA
$174,070/yr
Our recommendation: Redmond, WA
Redmond offers $2,142 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Ames
Redmond
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$120,541
$174,070
$53,529
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$7,333
$10,589
$3,256
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
89
132
-43 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,306
$3,420
$1,114
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,326
$1,967
$641
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$5,027
$7,169
$2,142
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
3.18×
3.10×
+0.08×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Ames — 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.