The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Network Architects: Ames vs Silver Spring

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

Ames, IA

$115,905/yr

Take-home$7,051/mo
Disposable$4,745/mo
Lifestyle10/10 · Comfortable

Silver Spring, MD

$143,010/yr

Take-home$8,700/mo
Disposable$5,592/mo
Lifestyle9/10 · Comfortable

Full Breakdown

Ames

Silver Spring

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

120

-31 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,306

$3,108

$802

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,326

$1,788

$462

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$4,745

$5,592

$847

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better

3.06×

2.80×

+0.26×

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

10/10 (Comfortable)

9/10 (Comfortable)

+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.