2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Ames, IA vs Apex, NC

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Apex or is it cheaper to live in Ames?
- Apex is 20.8% more expensive than Ames.

Which city has more affordable housing, Apex or Ames?
- Apex housing costs are 72.5% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Ames or is Health Care more affordable in Apex.
- Health related expenses are 21.5% less in Apex.
 Ames, IAApex, NCUnited States
 Overall  Unlock105.8100
 Food & Groceries97.3  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock94.8100
 Housing88.5  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$562,300$338,100
 Utilities99  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock89.8100
 Miscellaneous114.1  Unlock100
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 13 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 13 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 Apex    11 Reviews

We moved here from western NY last year. It was hard to leave a solid school system, a house almost paid for, with a yard, and NO HOA. However, jobs were just not there  More

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Over 11 years ago

My introduction to Apex, NC came in July 2009 I was on my way to Florida. On the third day, plans changed due to friend's vehicle malfunction. I stayed in Apex for 9  More

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Over 14 years ago

Apex has a small town atmosphere, but is convenient to the Research Triangle area of North  More

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