Salary Comparison
Computer Programmers: Iowa City vs Phoenix
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Iowa City, IA
$95,901/yr
Phoenix, AZ
$72,700/yr
Our recommendation: Iowa City, IA
Iowa City offers $1,738 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Iowa City
Phoenix
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$95,901
$72,700
+$23,201
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$5,834
$4,423
+$1,411
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
91
100
-9 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,358
$2,685
$327
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,356
$1,550
$194
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$3,476
$1,738
+$1,738
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.47×
1.65×
+0.82×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
8/10 (Comfortable)
6/10 (Moderate)
+2
A vs B
Iowa City — Full Details
Phoenix — 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.