Salary Comparison
Computer Network Architects: Ames vs Columbia
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Ames, IA
$115,905/yr
Columbia, MD
$143,010/yr
Full Breakdown
Ames
Columbia
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$115,905
$143,010
$27,105
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$7,051
$8,700
$1,649
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
89
124
-35 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,306
$3,333
$1,027
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,326
$2,050
$724
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$4,745
$5,367
$622
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
3.06×
2.61×
+0.45×
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.