2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Ames, IA vs Bettendorf, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Bettendorf older or younger than people in Ames?
- The Median Age in Bettendorf is 15.5 years older than in Ames.

Are housing costs cheaper in Bettendorf or Ames?
- Bettendorf housing costs are 12.4% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Bettendorf or Ames?
- The average commute for residents of Bettendorf is 1.4 minutes longer 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 Bettendorf?
Bettendorf, Iowa lies within Scott county providing its citizens access to parks including Centennial Park while also having shopping options near SouthPark Mall plus multiple restaurants including Applebees Grill & Bar.

 Ames, IABettendorf, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock38,631329,725,481
 Median Income$54,339  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock38.938.4
 Avg. Home Price$239,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.2%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 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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