Salary Comparison
Computer Programmers: Ames vs Denver
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Ames, IA
$91,035/yr
Denver, CO
$122,580/yr
Our recommendation: Denver, CO
Denver offers $1,255 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Ames
Denver
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$91,035
$122,580
$31,545
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$5,538
$7,457
$1,919
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
89
111
-22 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,306
$2,970
$664
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,326
$1,780
$454
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$3,232
$4,487
$1,255
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.40×
2.51×
-0.11×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
8/10 (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.