2026 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Ames, IA vs Rochester, MI

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Rochester or is it cheaper to live in Ames?
- Rochester is 19.7% more expensive than Ames.

Which city has more affordable housing, Rochester or Ames?
- Rochester housing costs are 59.1% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Ames or is Health Care more affordable in Rochester.
- Health related expenses are 33.9% less in Rochester.
 Ames, IARochester, MIUnited States
 Overall  Unlock104.9100
 Food & Groceries97.3  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock79.9100
 Housing88.5  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$420,900$338,100
 Utilities99  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock123.9100
 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 14 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 14 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 Rochester    2 Reviews

Over 15 years ago

The winters are very cold and some snow days can be quite challenging. The summers are great with very little humidty and  More

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Over 17 years ago

Back in the 1970's and early 1980's, Rochester was a nice quiet little town that people lived in to get away from the craziness of other areas in Oakland and Macomb  More

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