Salary Comparison
Computer Network Architects: Ames vs Boulder
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Ames, IA
$115,905/yr
Boulder, CO
$149,979/yr
Full Breakdown
Ames
Boulder
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$115,905
$149,979
$34,074
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$7,051
$9,124
$2,073
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
89
127
-38 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,306
$3,403
$1,097
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,326
$2,150
$824
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$4,745
$5,721
$976
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
3.06×
2.68×
+0.38×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
9/10 (Comfortable)
+1
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.