2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Ames, IA vs Bend, OR

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Highlights
Are people in Bend older or younger than people in Ames?
- The Median Age in Bend is 15.4 years older than in Ames.

Are housing costs cheaper in Bend or Ames?
- Bend housing costs are 178.6% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Bend or Ames?
- The average commute for residents of Bend is 1.1 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Ames.

Things to do in Ames?
Ames, Iowa is a lively city located in the heart of central Iowa. This bustling city offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the picturesque Reiman Gardens or the historic Octagon Center for the Arts. Residents here also enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities at Hills Memorial Park or Brookside Park. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities, it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Ames their home.

Things to do in Bend?
Bend, Oregon is an incredible city located in central Oregon. It's known for its breathtaking mountain views, diverse culture, and vibrant nightlife. Visitors can take advantage of outdoor activities like exploring Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway or hiking at Lava Lands Visitor Center to explore the local area. Nature enthusiasts can visit places like Deschutes National Forest or High Desert Museum to gain insight into local wildlife. After exploring, sample delicious food from restaurants like Wild Rose or Roost Beer Garden & Pub. With so much to offer, Bend is a fantastic place to visit for an unforgettable experience!

 Ames, IABend, ORUnited States
 Population  Unlock97,042329,725,481
 Median Income$54,339  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock38.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$239,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.0%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time16.44  Unlock26.38
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 Bend    100 Reviews

I have visited Bend for many years and moved here last year with my family. Every person that complains about Bend does not understand how economics works. The main  More

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Over 4 years ago

When I moved to Bend it was a charming small city of about 50,000 people. The population has now more than doubled and the once clean, quiet community is a noisy, dirty,  More

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Over 4 years ago

I've lived in Bend for 10 years now. I'm originally from a poorer town in CA with the same population as Bend. Here are my pros and cons of living in Bend. Pros: -  More

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