Salary Comparison
Computer Network Architects: Ames vs Richland
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Ames, IA
$115,905/yr
Richland, WA
$166,880/yr
Our recommendation: Richland, WA
Richland offers $3,022 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Ames
Richland
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$115,905
$166,880
$50,975
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$7,051
$10,152
$3,101
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
89
92
-3 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,306
$2,385
$79
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,326
$1,371
$45
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$4,745
$7,767
$3,022
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
3.06×
4.26×
-1.20×
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.