Salary Comparison
Computer Programmers: Waterloo vs Cincinnati
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Waterloo, IA
$87,994/yr
Cincinnati, OH
$119,900/yr
Our recommendation: Cincinnati, OH
Cincinnati offers $1,794 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Waterloo
Cincinnati
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$87,994
$119,900
$31,906
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$5,353
$7,294
$1,941
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
78
81
-3 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,020
$2,167
$147
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,162
$1,160
+$2
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$3,333
$5,127
$1,794
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.65×
3.37×
-0.72×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
9/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
-1
A vs B
Waterloo — Full Details
Cincinnati — 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.