Salary Comparison
Computer Programmers: Ames vs Boulder
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Ames, IA
$91,035/yr
Boulder, CO
$117,798/yr
Our recommendation: Boulder, CO
Boulder offers $531 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Ames
Boulder
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$91,035
$117,798
$26,763
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$5,538
$7,166
$1,628
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
89
127
-38 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,306
$3,403
$1,097
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,326
$2,150
$824
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$3,232
$3,763
$531
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.40×
2.11×
+0.29×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
8/10 (Comfortable)
8/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Boulder — 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.