2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Ames, IA vs Redwood City, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Redwood City older or younger than people in Ames?
- The Median Age in Redwood City is 13.6 years older than in Ames.

Are housing costs cheaper in Redwood City or Ames?
- Redwood City housing costs are 573.6% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Redwood City or Ames?
- The average commute for residents of Redwood City is 8.9 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 Redwood City?
Redwood City, California is located in the San Francisco Bay Area and provides plenty of shopping opportunities as well as access to some gorgeous nature parks like Edgewood Open Space Preserve.

 Ames, IARedwood City, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock83,905329,725,481
 Median Income$54,339  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock3738.4
 Avg. Home Price$239,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.4%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

   |    Reply

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

   |    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 Redwood City    11 Reviews

(Caveating everything with "it's Bay Area prices") Redwood City is a large sprawling town where you can find just about anything you're looking for. There's great  More

   |    Reply

The entire Bay Area is ridiculous. You can't compare it to other areas. RWC is reasonably cheap for the area. I pay $5K for a rental townhouse in one of the many  More

   |    Reply

Lovely weather. Safe place to live (I live in Redwood Shores). The only thing that keeps this place from being 5 stars is the cost of housing. When you have to pay an  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Redwood City


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.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.