2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Ames, IA vs Gulf Shores, AL

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Gulf Shores or is it cheaper to live in Ames?
- Gulf Shores is 7.9% more expensive than Ames.

Which city has more affordable housing, Gulf Shores or Ames?
- Gulf Shores housing costs are 31.3% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Ames or is Health Care more affordable in Gulf Shores.
- Health related expenses are 4.4% less in Gulf Shores.
 Ames, IAGulf Shores, ALUnited States
 Overall  Unlock94.5100
 Food & Groceries97.3  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock115.5100
 Housing88.5  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$439,200$338,100
 Utilities99  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock76.9100
 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 Gulf Shores    6 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

Owned a place there for 20 years and spend a few weeks each season there. Heading back in a few weeks! Lows: Spotty internet for work. Saturday traffic. Hurricanes.  More

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I know that there are a few people out there that would just as soon throw rotten tomatoes at me for saying what I’m about to say, but I hate, hate, HATE living in Gulf  More

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Over 14 years ago

Gulf Shores offers many sunny days, compared to the rest of Baldwin County.  More

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