2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Ames, IA vs Chula Vista, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Chula Vista or is it cheaper to live in Ames?
- Chula Vista is 76.8% more expensive than Ames.

Which city has more affordable housing, Chula Vista or Ames?
- Chula Vista housing costs are 169.0% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Ames or is Health Care more affordable in Chula Vista.
- Health related expenses are 26.3% less in Chula Vista.
 Ames, IAChula Vista, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock154.9100
 Food & Groceries97.3  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock89.0100
 Housing88.5  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$759,300$338,100
 Utilities99  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock127.9100
 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 Chula Vista    9 Reviews

Over 14 years ago

I live in Chula Vista, California (San Diego County). I've lived here close to eight years now. A very conservative town to say the least. I would call this a military  More

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Over 14 years ago

Quality of life has seriously deteriorated over the last few years. Too crowded and too  More

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Over 15 years ago

My Husband and I enjoy living in Eastlake a subdivision of Chula Vista, Ca near San  More

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