The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers: Ames vs Bellevue

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

Ames, IA

$63,758/yr

Take-home$3,879/mo
Disposable$1,573/mo
Lifestyle6/10 · Moderate

Bellevue, WA

$89,860/yr

Take-home$5,467/mo
Disposable$1,627/mo
Lifestyle5/10 · Tight

Full Breakdown

Ames

Bellevue

Diff (A−B)

Annual Gross Salary

$63,758

$89,860

$26,102

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$3,879

$5,467

$1,588

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

89

143

-54 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,306

$3,840

$1,534

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,326

$2,450

$1,124

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$1,573

$1,627

$54

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better

1.68×

1.42×

+0.26×

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

6/10 (Moderate)

5/10 (Tight)

+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.