2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Ames, IA vs Golden, CO

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Golden or is it cheaper to live in Ames?
- Golden is 51.5% more expensive than Ames.

Which city has more affordable housing, Golden or Ames?
- Golden housing costs are 187.0% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Ames or is Health Care more affordable in Golden.
- Health related expenses are 30.8% less in Golden.
 Ames, IAGolden, COUnited States
 Overall  Unlock132.7100
 Food & Groceries97.3  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock83.6100
 Housing88.5  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$824,300$338,100
 Utilities99  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock113.0100
 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 Golden    5 Reviews

...6 months of winter from the first snowfall to the last. Lots of warm, sunny days in between. However...just when you think you can get out your shorts and sandals,  More

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It doesn't get any better than this little town, nestled between two stunning mesas. Beauty abounds in every direction. You have that "small town feel" but are just  More

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Over 11 years ago

Golden is a fantastic place to have a family! Close to metro Denver, but close to the mountains and all its recreation. The schools are very good! My boys are 5 and  More

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