2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Ames, IA vs Boulder, CO

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Highlights
Are people in Boulder older or younger than people in Ames?
- The Median Age in Boulder is 5.5 years older than in Ames.

Are housing costs cheaper in Boulder or Ames?
- Boulder housing costs are 317.0% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Boulder or Ames?
- The average commute for residents of Boulder is 2.7 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 Boulder?
Boulder, Colorado is a unique city in the foothills of the Rockies. From incredible outdoor recreation to delicious food and vibrant nightlife, Boulder has something for everyone. Nature lovers will be captivated by the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and can take advantage of over 200 miles of trails for hiking, biking and climbing. For those looking to relax, Boulder Creek Path provides visitors with a peaceful respite from busy city life. Culture aficionados won’t want to miss out on visiting various galleries and historic landmarks throughout town, such as the Chautauqua Park Historic District or view pieces at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art. And after a day spent exploring this beautiful city, guests can unwind at one of Boulder’s many restaurants for some delicious local fare or enjoy a lively night at one of its lively bars! With its stunning mountain views and endless activities, Boulder promises to leave visitors with lasting memories!

 Ames, IABoulder, COUnited States
 Population  Unlock104,930329,725,481
 Median Income$54,339  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock28.938.4
 Avg. Home Price$239,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.1%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 Boulder    55 Reviews

Outside of the university, Boulder had a very distinctive "wealthy hippy" feel. A lot of alternative medicine and a matching ethos. This is changing some among my  More

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We moved here from Texas about 4 years ago and love it here! The amazing sense of community and high regard for the environment are two of the main reasons we love  More

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Over 5 years ago

Most people do much worse than Boulder. I'm the most critical person I've ever met who is never happy or satisfied -- so that's a pretty huge compliment.   More

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