2026 Compare Cities Overview:
Ames, IA vs Jacksonville, FL

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Highlights
Are people in Jacksonville older or younger than people in Ames?
- The Median Age in Jacksonville is 12.8 years older than in Ames.

Are housing costs cheaper in Jacksonville or Ames?
- Jacksonville housing costs are 17.2% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Jacksonville or Ames?
- The average commute for residents of Jacksonville is 8.1 minutes longer 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 Jacksonville?
Jacksonville, Florida is a vibrant city filled with activities and attractions to keep any traveler entertained. From the beaches at Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach and others to the nearby parks like Hanna Park and Little Talbot Island - there's plenty of ways to get outdoors. The city is also home to unique attractions such as the Museum of Science & History, Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens, Riverwalk and the Friendship Fountain. With its year-round sunshine and warm climate, Jacksonville is perfect for outdoor adventurers or those looking for a relaxing getaway!

 Ames, IAJacksonville, FLUnited States
 Population  Unlock937,690329,725,481
 Median Income$54,339  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock36.238.4
 Avg. Home Price$239,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.9%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 Jacksonville    174 Reviews

I moved from a small town in Ohio around four years ago, I was 24 years old. Now, at 28, my outlook about living here has changed. I have came to the conclusion, that,  More

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I’ve lived in Jacksonville for 12+ years(but visited on and off much longer). There’s things I love and things I hate and just like any place there are pros and cons.  More

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We have been investigating Jax for a while. It looks like the Southside, Baymeadows and the further East you get is great. Any thoughts on moving to those areas, pretty  More

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