2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Ames, IA vs Bloomington, IN

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Bloomington older or younger than people in Ames?
- The Median Age in Bloomington is 0.6 years older than in Ames.

Are housing costs cheaper in Bloomington or Ames?
- Bloomington housing costs are 22.9% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Bloomington or Ames?
- The average commute for residents of Bloomington is 0.3 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 Bloomington?
Bloomington, Indiana is located in Monroe county providing an impressive blend of cultural and outdoor events such as hiking at Griffy Lake Nature Preserve or visiting the Mathers Museum of World Cultures.

 Ames, IABloomington, INUnited States
 Population  Unlock80,064329,725,481
 Median Income$54,339  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock2438.4
 Avg. Home Price$239,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.3%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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Ames

Reviews for Bloomington    25 Reviews

I have lived here for almost 23 years. Wonderful, cosmopolitan, safe, cultural, liberal, all-inclusive town, with plenty of arts, shopping, sports events and activities,  More

   |    Reply

Over 5 years ago

The city government of Bloomington is very famous for its corruption. The police of this city are famous for their inactivity and lack of professionalism. The judges  More

   |    Reply

Over 6 years ago

Terrible. There is nothing good about Bloomington, IN. Don’t live there. As for Catalent, there is one of those in my home town Woodstock, IL. It’s a pharmaceutical  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Bloomington


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.