2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Ames, IA vs Bella Vista, AR

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Bella Vista or is it cheaper to live in Ames?
- Bella Vista is 4.6% more expensive than Ames.

Which city has more affordable housing, Bella Vista or Ames?
- Bella Vista housing costs are 6.1% less expensive than Ames housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Ames or is Health Care more affordable in Bella Vista.
- Health related expenses are 23.9% less in Bella Vista.
 Ames, IABella Vista, ARUnited States
 Overall  Unlock91.6100
 Food & Groceries97.3  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock91.9100
 Housing88.5  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$308,600$338,100
 Utilities99  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock97.5100
 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 Bella Vista    18 Reviews

Fantastic area with tons of outdoor activities and private amenities: 7 lakes, 3 pools, miles of hiking and biking trails, golf courses, pickle ball, tennis, frisbee  More

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Just moved to Arkanss earlier this year from Washington state. We are originally from the lower part of the U.S. and have lived in a few states over the last 12 years.  More

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Over 5 years ago

Bella Vista is a lovely place, with a low cost of living (but increasing all the time) and extremely low crime rate. The town has Five decent golf courses, good for a  More

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