Home / Select Cities  /  2024 Comparing Ames, IA vs. Johnston, IA

2024 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Ames, IA vs Johnston, IA

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Johnston or is it cheaper to live in Ames?
- Johnston is 1.1% less expensive than Ames.

Which city has more affordable housing, Johnston or Ames?
- Johnston housing costs are 25.6% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Ames or is Health Care more affordable in Johnston.
- Health related expenses are 15.2% less in Johnston.
 Ames, IAJohnston, IAUnited States
 Overall87.686.6100
 Food & Groceries97.3101.7100
 Health120.8102.4100
 Housing88.5111.2100
 Median Home Cost$239,100$347,700$338,100
 Utilities9,860.0%9,020.0%10,000.0%
 Transportation67.275.7100
 Miscellaneous114.1112.9100

100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

View More Data >

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Ames

Reviews for Johnston    2 Reviews

Over 5 years ago

Strong National Guard presence and very family-friendly. The library is the best one that I've ever visited. We moved here for the Army two years ago and will be leaving  More

   |    Reply

Over 15 years ago

Everyone here is rich. Really, really,  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Johnston

 Most Recent Searches On Compare Cities
COMPARE COST OF LIVING
Compare Ames, Iowa Cost of Living vs Johnston, Iowa Cost of Living: Taxes, Childcare, Groceries, Health...
Compare Now


ZIPS IN AMES, IOWA
50010 50014 50012
ZIPS IN JOHNSTON, IOWA
50131

PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION

Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.

Try Now