Ames, Iowa vs. Cottage Grove, Minnesota

Cost of Living Comparison

The cost of living in Cottage Grove, Minnesota is 15.7% more expensive than Ames, Iowa.

You would need a salary of $86,794 in Cottage Grove, Minnesota to maintain the standard of living you have in Ames, Iowa.
Comparison highlights
• Overall, Cottage Grove, Minnesota is more expensive than Ames, Iowa
• Median Home Cost is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference.
Median Home Cost
50% more expensive in Cottage Grove
than in Ames, Iowa
Ames, IA vs. Cottage Grove, MN
Compared to Ames, Cottage Grove is:
  Homeowner
      No Child Care, Taxes not Considered
  15.7% higher
      Child Care, Taxes not Considered
      Child Care, Taxes Considered
      No Child Care, Taxes Considered
  Renter
      No Child Care, Taxes not Considered
      Child Care, Taxes not Considered
      Child Care, Taxes Considered
      No Child Care, Taxes Considered
  Food
  3.8% higher
  Housing (Homeowner)
  41.2% higher
  Housing (Rent)
  Median Home Cost
  Utilities
  0.8% lower
  Commute
  59.8% higher
  Health
  38.6% lower
  Taxes
  Childcare
  Personal
  15.5% higher