2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Ames, IA vs Destin, FL

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Destin or is it cheaper to live in Ames?
- Destin is 15.2% more expensive than Ames.

Which city has more affordable housing, Destin or Ames?
- Destin housing costs are 89.9% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Ames or is Health Care more affordable in Destin.
- Health related expenses are 13.7% less in Destin.
 Ames, IADestin, FLUnited States
 Overall  Unlock100.9100
 Food & Groceries97.3  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock104.2100
 Housing88.5  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$605,200$338,100
 Utilities99  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock93.3100
 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 Destin    14 Reviews

I find it amazing the place is rated one star - Yes the cost of housing is high especially as covid pushed more people to Florida. But living here is easy - three  More

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This tiny town is SO expensive. Unless you want a roach and mold infested place you will have to pay around $1800 or more and the “nice” places have reviews that scare  More

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I moved to Destin in 1987 when there was no development in the eastern part of town, only trees, beaches and a two lane road. I worked as a Sheriff's Deputy for over 30  More

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