2026 Compare Cities Overview:
Ames, IA vs College Station, TX

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Highlights
Are people in College Station older or younger than people in Ames?
- The Median Age in College Station is 0.3 years younger than in Ames.

Are housing costs cheaper in College Station or Ames?
- College Station housing costs are 31.1% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, College Station or Ames?
- The average commute for residents of College Station is 0.7 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 College Station?
College Station, Texas is a vibrant and exciting college town located near the heart of Texas. Home to the renowned Texas A&M University, this dynamic community is full of culture, energy and entertainment that appeals to all ages. Visitors can enjoy various attractions like shopping at The Zone or strolling along Northgate Drive, dining in one of the many unique restaurants or seeing a show at the historic Grand Stafford Theater. College Station offers an array of outdoor activities from kayaking on Lake Bryan to exploring nearby parks and nature trails. With its excellent location near major cities and attractions such as Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio, College Station is sure to provide an unforgettable experience!

 Ames, IACollege Station, TXUnited States
 Population  Unlock116,276329,725,481
 Median Income$54,339  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock23.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$239,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.6%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time16.44  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Ames    12 Reviews

Over 14 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 14 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 College Station    21 Reviews

I moved here seven years ago for my job and I have to say it was better than I expected. First off, it is a small city not a small town. After you live here for  More

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Pros: - Safe - Easy access to Houston & Austin - Growing Bio Tech Scene - Lots of food choices - City of Bryan has character - Plenty of stuff to do because of the  More

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Over 5 years ago

A Huge portion of you liking this city is if you like the Aggies. If you don't this is probably not the place for you because many of the things to do are based around  More

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