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2024 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Ames, IA vs Chicago, IL

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Chicago or is it cheaper to live in Ames?
- Chicago is 20.7% more expensive than Ames.

Which city has more affordable housing, Chicago or Ames?
- Chicago housing costs are 12.8% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Ames or is Health Care more affordable in Chicago.
- Health related expenses are 27.2% less in Chicago.
 Ames, IAChicago, ILUnited States
 Overall87.6105.7100
 Food & Groceries97.397.2100
 Health120.888.0100
 Housing88.599.8100
 Median Home Cost$239,100$284,100$338,100
 Utilities9,860.0%9,280.0%10,000.0%
 Transportation67.2138.5100
 Miscellaneous114.1139.8100

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 12 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 12 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 Chicago    271 Reviews

I've lived in Chicago city and later moved to suburbs when family size increased. Absolutely love this city. This is the cleanest and most beautiful among the major  More

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Chicago is probably the best value in a major city that you can find and my personal favorite city. It will become increasingly important as climate change makes the  More

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I've live on north side and south side, UIC medical center. Don't move here go to the north side. No good amenities, if you get bored with one there is no other choices.  More

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ZIPS IN AMES, IOWA
50010 50014 50012
ZIPS IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
60629, 60618, 60632, 60639, 60623, 60647, 60617, 60625, 60608, 60634, 56 total

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