Salary Comparison
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers: Ames vs Kailua
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Ames, IA
$63,758/yr
Kailua, HI
$88,040/yr
Our recommendation: Ames, IA
Ames offers $52 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.
Full Breakdown
Ames
Kailua
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$63,758
$88,040
$24,282
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$3,879
$5,356
$1,477
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
89
148
-59 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,306
$3,835
$1,529
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,326
$2,206
$880
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$1,573
$1,521
+$52
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.68×
1.40×
+0.28×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
6/10 (Moderate)
5/10 (Tight)
+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.