Salary Comparison
Computer Systems Analysts: Ames vs Kent
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Ames, IA
$96,068/yr
Kent, WA
$132,580/yr
Our recommendation: Kent, WA
Kent offers $1,719 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Ames
Kent
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$96,068
$132,580
$36,512
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$5,844
$8,065
$2,221
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
89
105
-16 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,306
$2,808
$502
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,326
$1,650
$324
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$3,538
$5,257
$1,719
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.53×
2.87×
-0.34×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
9/10 (Comfortable)
9/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Ames — 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.