2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Ames, IA vs Silver Spring, MD

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Silver Spring or is it cheaper to live in Ames?
- Silver Spring is 58.1% more expensive than Ames.

Which city has more affordable housing, Silver Spring or Ames?
- Silver Spring housing costs are 92.1% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Ames or is Health Care more affordable in Silver Spring.
- Health related expenses are 28.1% less in Silver Spring.
 Ames, IASilver Spring, MDUnited States
 Overall  Unlock138.5100
 Food & Groceries97.3  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock86.8100
 Housing88.5  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$542,400$338,100
 Utilities99  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock140.9100
 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 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 Silver Spring    18 Reviews

Growing up in Silver Spring, my family and I have been residents for the better part of 25 years. Although some of the development has been great (Discovery Channel, new  More

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What a delightful school! The first time we drove up to the school, our first impression was of the charming shaded playground with wooden structures and surrounding  More

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What a delightful school! The first time we drove up to the school, our first impression was of the charming shaded playground with wooden structures and surrounding  More

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