2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Ames, IA vs Bettendorf, IA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Bettendorf or is it cheaper to live in Ames?
- Bettendorf is 5.4% less expensive than Ames.

Which city has more affordable housing, Bettendorf or Ames?
- Bettendorf housing costs are 5.5% less expensive than Ames housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Ames or is Health Care more affordable in Bettendorf.
- Health related expenses are 14.5% less in Bettendorf.
 Ames, IABettendorf, IAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock82.9100
 Food & Groceries97.3  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock103.3100
 Housing88.5  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$268,800$338,100
 Utilities99  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock77.8100
 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 Bettendorf    4 Reviews

Over 14 years ago

very low crime, great schools, housing costs-a decent house for family of 5 is around  More

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We are thinking of moving to the area (Iowa). I am an NC native, although we feel the need to move out due to huge influx of newcomers in this area from the northeast  More

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Over 18 years ago

We moved to Bettendorf when our son was in elementary school based on favorable comments about the schools from several friends in similar stages in their lives. We  More

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