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2024 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Ames, IA vs Helena, MT

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Helena or is it cheaper to live in Ames?
- Helena is 14.4% more expensive than Ames.

Which city has more affordable housing, Helena or Ames?
- Helena housing costs are 42.6% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Ames or is Health Care more affordable in Helena.
- Health related expenses are 16.2% less in Helena.
 Ames, IAHelena, MTUnited States
 Overall87.6100.2100
 Food & Groceries97.3102.0100
 Health120.8101.2100
 Housing88.5126.2100
 Median Home Cost$239,100$439,800$338,100
 Utilities9,860.0%8,720.0%10,000.0%
 Transportation67.260.8100
 Miscellaneous114.1113.1100

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 12 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 12 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 Helena    17 Reviews

I spent 6 months living on a ranch in the Helena valley. This was during the population boom Montana experienced after covid. Helena has some great mountain biking  More

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Over 2 years ago

We transplanted from Southern California 3 years ago and have never looked back! Living in the small unincorporated town of York Montana located in the Helena nation  More

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Over 4 years ago

I lived here for 16 years. It is a great place to grow  More

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ZIPS IN AMES, IOWA
50010 50014 50012
ZIPS IN HELENA, MONTANA
59601

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