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

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Manitou Springs or is it cheaper to live in Ames?
- Manitou Springs is 25.9% more expensive than Ames.

Which city has more affordable housing, Manitou Springs or Ames?
- Manitou Springs housing costs are 92.2% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Ames or is Health Care more affordable in Manitou Springs.
- Health related expenses are 31.6% less in Manitou Springs.
 Ames, IAManitou Springs, COUnited States
 Overall  Unlock110.3100
 Food & Groceries97.3  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock82.6100
 Housing88.5  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$524,200$338,100
 Utilities99  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock96.8100
 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 Manitou Springs    4 Reviews

Cool mountain climate most of year. Summers are hot (95 degrees) and very dry. Winters are mostly dry and cool to cold (30 degrees). Snows about four times per year  More

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Over 15 years ago

Wow! Have been here a month, came here from Texas and can not believe how friendly the people are. It is breathtakingly beautiful here! So much to do and see.   More

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Over 15 years ago

I lived in Manitou Springs area for 5 years and after relocating for work (lay off), I still miss living there. The entire little town can feel a bit touristy in the  More

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