Salary Comparison
Physicists: Ames vs Minneapolis
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Ames, IA
$151,768/yr
Minneapolis, MN
$215,340/yr
Our recommendation: Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis offers $3,570 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Ames
Minneapolis
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$151,768
$215,340
$63,572
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$9,233
$13,100
$3,867
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
89
97
-8 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,306
$2,603
$297
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,326
$1,480
$154
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$6,927
$10,497
$3,570
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
4.00×
5.03×
-1.03×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Ames — Full Details
Minneapolis — 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.