Mountain View, California vs. Ames, Iowa

Cost of Living Comparison

The cost of living in Ames, Iowa is 67.6% cheaper than Mountain View, California.

You would need a salary of $32 in Ames, Iowa to maintain the standard of living you have in Mountain View, California.
Comparison highlights
• Overall, Ames, Iowa is cheaper than Mountain View, California
• Median Home Cost is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference.
Median Home Cost
86% cheaper in Ames
than in Mountain View, California
Mountain View, CA vs. Ames, IA
Compared to Mountain View, Ames is:
  Homeowner
      No Child Care, Taxes not Considered
  67.6% 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
  19.1% lower
  Housing (Homeowner)
  89.7% lower
  Housing (Rent)
  Median Home Cost
  Utilities
  11.3% higher
  Commute
  51.5% lower
  Health
  12.2% higher
  Taxes
  Childcare
  Personal
  8.6% lower