The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Computer Systems Analysts: Ames vs Hilo

Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.

Ames, IA

$96,068/yr

Take-home$5,844/mo
Disposable$3,538/mo
Lifestyle9/10 · Comfortable

Hilo, HI

$132,655/yr

Take-home$8,070/mo
Disposable$4,702/mo
Lifestyle8/10 · Comfortable

Full Breakdown

Ames

Hilo

Diff (A−B)

Annual Gross Salary

$96,068

$132,655

$36,587

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$5,844

$8,070

$2,226

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

89

130

-41 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,306

$3,368

$1,062

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,326

$1,937

$611

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$3,538

$4,702

$1,164

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better

2.53×

2.40×

+0.13×

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

9/10 (Comfortable)

8/10 (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.