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2024 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Ames, IA vs Olympia, WA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Olympia or is it cheaper to live in Ames?
- Olympia is 28.0% more expensive than Ames.

Which city has more affordable housing, Olympia or Ames?
- Olympia housing costs are 75.6% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Ames or is Health Care more affordable in Olympia.
- Health related expenses are 27.9% less in Olympia.
 Ames, IAOlympia, WAUnited States
 Overall87.6112.1100
 Food & Groceries97.3101.4100
 Health120.887.1100
 Housing88.5155.4100
 Median Home Cost$239,100$472,500$338,100
 Utilities9,860.0%7,440.0%10,000.0%
 Transportation67.291.1100
 Miscellaneous114.1143.0100

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 Olympia    39 Reviews

We moved here from Kitsap Bremerton/Silverdale WA area and this beats it all the way in all material ways. The only reason not to give it 5 stars is the cost of  More

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Over 3 years ago

The city is horrible. The business have been chased out by homeless. The city government makes it for difficult for businesses to thrive. If you like what Seattle is  More

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Having lived all over the world we decided to retire in Olympia and live on the Puget Sound. Yes it rains but the weather can change dramatically in a day with sun and  More

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ZIPS IN AMES, IOWA
50010 50014 50012
ZIPS IN OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON
98501 98502 98506

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