Madison, Wisconsin vs. Ames, Iowa

Cost of Living Comparison

The cost of living in Ames, Iowa is 10.9% cheaper than Madison, Wisconsin.

You would need a salary of $178,107 in Ames, Iowa to maintain the standard of living you have in Madison, Wisconsin.
Comparison highlights
• Overall, Ames, Iowa is cheaper than Madison, Wisconsin
• Median Home Cost is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference.
Median Home Cost
29% cheaper in Ames
than in Madison, Wisconsin
Madison, WI vs. Ames, IA
Compared to Madison, Ames is:
  Homeowner
      No Child Care, Taxes not Considered
  10.9% lower
      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
  0.6% lower
  Housing (Homeowner)
  28.6% lower
  Housing (Rent)
  Median Home Cost
  Utilities
  8.3% lower
  Commute
  21.7% lower
  Health
  30.0% higher
  Taxes
  Childcare
  Personal
  9.2% lower