San Jose, California vs. Ames, Iowa

Cost of Living Comparison

The cost of living in Ames, Iowa is 58.0% cheaper than San Jose, California.

You would need a salary of $42,000 in Ames, Iowa to maintain the standard of living you have in San Jose, California.
Comparison highlights
• Overall, Ames, Iowa is cheaper than San Jose, California
• Median Home Cost is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference.
Median Home Cost
79% cheaper in Ames
than in San Jose, California
San Jose, CA vs. Ames, IA
Compared to San Jose, Ames is:
  Homeowner
      No Child Care, Taxes not Considered
  58.0% 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
  14.4% lower
  Housing (Homeowner)
  81.7% lower
  Housing (Rent)
  Median Home Cost
  Utilities
  1.9% higher
  Commute
  55.5% lower
  Health
  12.2% higher
  Taxes
  Childcare
  Personal
  9.4% lower