2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Ames, IA vs Palm Desert, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Palm Desert older or younger than people in Ames?
- The Median Age in Palm Desert is 32.8 years older than in Ames.

Are housing costs cheaper in Palm Desert or Ames?
- Palm Desert housing costs are 125.4% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Palm Desert or Ames?
- The average commute for residents of Palm Desert is 2.7 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 Palm Desert?
Palm Desert is a city in Riverside County, California that enjoys year-round sunshine and is a popular destination for outdoor recreation. Located within the Coachella Valley of the Sonoran desert, there are plenty of activities to enjoy around the area such as golfing, hiking, biking, horseback riding and rock climbing. The city has some beautiful resorts with upscale amenities, shopping centers full of boutique stores and galleries, art shows and festivals to take part in throughout the year. In addition to its picturesque scenery, Palm Desert’s rich cultural diversity makes it an ideal place for a unique travel experience.

 Ames, IAPalm Desert, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock51,081329,725,481
 Median Income$54,339  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock56.238.4
 Avg. Home Price$239,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.0%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 Palm Desert    14 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

Palm Desert, CA is full of rude people. One woman in a long sleeved pink shirt is being extremely rude and mocking people for no reason at a neighborhood Walmart in Palm  More

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Palm Desert is clean, upscale and beautiful. The views of the Santa Rosa Mountains bright blue sky and green expanses of golf course fairways, swimming pools and  More

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I made the mistake of moving here after a short vacation to be closer to family. Biggest mistake of my life! This is not the place to live if health is important to you.  More

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