2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Ames, IA vs Simi Valley, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Simi Valley or is it cheaper to live in Ames?
- Simi Valley is 75.8% more expensive than Ames.

Which city has more affordable housing, Simi Valley or Ames?
- Simi Valley housing costs are 185.8% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Ames or is Health Care more affordable in Simi Valley.
- Health related expenses are 11.7% less in Simi Valley.
 Ames, IASimi Valley, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock154.0100
 Food & Groceries97.3  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock106.7100
 Housing88.5  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$755,000$338,100
 Utilities99  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock110.3100
 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 Simi Valley    22 Reviews

I've live in two different neighborhoods since fall of 1996 and depending on the neighborhood you're quality of life experience will vary. The price of housing is such  More

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Over 15 years ago

I have lived in Simi Valley for 23 Years. I love it here but due to the cost of living am looking to relocate to another state/City where my money will go further. Simi  More

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Over 16 years ago

simi valley is a very nice place to live within the shadow of the LA metro area. it has low crime and reasonable housing costs with ready access to indoor and outdoor  More

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