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2024 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Ames, IA vs Austin, TX

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Austin or is it cheaper to live in Ames?
- Austin is 47.4% more expensive than Ames.

Which city has more affordable housing, Austin or Ames?
- Austin housing costs are 113.6% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Ames or is Health Care more affordable in Austin.
- Health related expenses are 15.9% less in Austin.
 Ames, IAAustin, TXUnited States
 Overall87.6129.1100
 Food & Groceries97.396.7100
 Health120.8101.6100
 Housing88.5189.0100
 Median Home Cost$239,100$577,400$338,100
 Utilities9,860.0%9,910.0%10,000.0%
 Transportation67.2109.9100
 Miscellaneous114.1105.9100

100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Ames    12 Reviews

Over 12 years ago

Hello, I am in San Jose Ca, but am seriously thinking of moving somewhere much slower for a better quality of living. I've just turned 59, so I'm kinda preparing for  More

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Over 12 years ago

Like every other city Ames has both good and bad points. The good points are: low cost of living, very friendly people, lots of outdoor activities and quite a few events  More

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Ames enjoys a high quality of life at a very affordable cost, substantially lower than many other communities. The presence of Iowa State University, a large (28,000  More

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Reviews for Austin    449 Reviews

This Year

Good place to visit.  More

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Austin is too expensive. Let's get that out of the way. Other than that it is a fun city. Ladybird Lake makes the city, imo. The ability to stand up paddle, kayak, walk  More

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The city continues to grow quickly, which a lot of people don't like. I get it, you fall in love with a city, and it's growing so fast that you don't recognize the same  More

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ZIPS IN AMES, IOWA
50010 50014 50012
ZIPS IN AUSTIN, TEXAS
78745, 78753, 78741, 78748, 78744, 78704, 78758, 78759, 78749, 78723, 40 total

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