Salary Comparison
Surgeons: Ames vs Boulder
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Ames, IA
$166,274/yr
Boulder, CO
$215,156/yr
Our recommendation: Boulder, CO
Boulder offers $1,877 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Ames
Boulder
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$166,274
$215,156
$48,882
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$10,115
$13,089
$2,974
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
89
127
-38 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,306
$3,403
$1,097
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,326
$2,150
$824
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$7,809
$9,686
$1,877
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
4.39×
3.85×
+0.54×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Ames — Full Details
Boulder — 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.