2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Ames, IA vs San Diego, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in San Diego or is it cheaper to live in Ames?
- San Diego is 76.8% more expensive than Ames.

Which city has more affordable housing, San Diego or Ames?
- San Diego housing costs are 214.6% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Ames or is Health Care more affordable in San Diego.
- Health related expenses are 26.3% less in San Diego.
 Ames, IASan Diego, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock154.9100
 Food & Groceries97.3  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock89.0100
 Housing88.5  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$833,500$338,100
 Utilities99  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock120.2100
 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 San Diego    319 Reviews

I have lived in San Diego for more than half my life (I am 30) and love it. It has something for everyone and more from arts, to sporting events, and all cuisine is  More

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The only real knock again San Diego is the cost of living, but it is paradise compared to most cities of similar size. Those who complain about the traffic here or say  More

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I have lived in San Diego since 1968 and I am now almost 62 years old. I love San Diego, I really do. But it has become so crowded and so expensive over the years. It  More

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