2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Ames, IA vs San Diego, CA

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Highlights
Are people in San Diego older or younger than people in Ames?
- The Median Age in San Diego is 12.0 years older than in Ames.

Are housing costs cheaper in San Diego or Ames?
- San Diego housing costs are 248.6% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, San Diego or Ames?
- The average commute for residents of San Diego is 7.5 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 San Diego?
San Diego, California is a beautiful coastal city that offers something for everyone. From world-famous attractions like the iconic Balboa Park and SeaWorld, to serene beaches and lush parks - San Diego offers a wealth of activities and sights to explore. The city's dynamic neighborhoods offer an array of shopping, dining, nightlife and cultural experiences - making it perfect for visitors who want to get off the beaten path. With its mild Mediterranean climate, San Diego provides plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities year-round, making it a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and relax in paradise!

 Ames, IASan Diego, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock1,385,398329,725,481
 Median Income$54,339  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock35.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$239,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.6%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 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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