Salary Comparison
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers: Ames vs Vancouver
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Ames, IA
$63,758/yr
Vancouver, WA
$89,860/yr
Our recommendation: Vancouver, WA
Vancouver offers $1,173 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Ames
Vancouver
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
105
-16 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,306
$2,721
$415
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,326
$1,565
$239
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$1,573
$2,746
$1,173
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.68×
2.01×
-0.33×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
6/10 (Moderate)
8/10 (Comfortable)
-2
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.