2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Ames, IA vs Owatonna, MN

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Highlights
Are people in Owatonna older or younger than people in Ames?
- The Median Age in Owatonna is 16.1 years older than in Ames.

Are housing costs cheaper in Owatonna or Ames?
- Owatonna housing costs are 1.9% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Owatonna or Ames?
- The average commute for residents of Owatonna is 0.7 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 Owatonna?
Owatonna, Minnesota is a thriving city located in Steele County and renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, lush parks, and small-town charm. It offers plenty of activities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy, from biking along the Straight River Trail to fishing on Lake Owatonna. Visitors can also explore local attractions such as the Owatonna Arts Center or shop at nearby malls such as The Medford Outlet Center. With easy access to Minnesota's Twin Cities metropolitan area and other major cities like Rochester and Albert Lea, Owatonna makes an ideal destination for visitors seeking an unforgettable experience close to urban amenities.

 Ames, IAOwatonna, MNUnited States
 Population  Unlock26,366329,725,481
 Median Income$54,339  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.538.4
 Avg. Home Price$239,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time16.44  Unlock26.38
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 Owatonna    1 Reviews

OWATONNA, WITH A POPULATION OF LESS THAN 30,000, SITS RIGHT ON US INTERSTATE 35... ONLY 45 MINUTES TO MAYO CLINIC, 45 MINUTES TO MSP/ST PAUL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT!   More

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