2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Ames, IA vs Solana Beach, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Solana Beach older or younger than people in Ames?
- The Median Age in Solana Beach is 23.0 years older than in Ames.

Are housing costs cheaper in Solana Beach or Ames?
- Solana Beach housing costs are 691.8% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Solana Beach or Ames?
- The average commute for residents of Solana Beach is 6.8 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 Solana Beach?
Solana Beach, CA is an incorporated city situated north of San Diego in San Diego County with a population estimated around 13400 people living there. Solana Beach provides visitors access to Fletcher Cove Beach open 365 days a year along with many restaurants offering cuisines from Asian-fusion to classic American taking advantage of locally sourced ingredients gathered at regular farmers markets held all over town. Tourists can also find here great shopping opportunities while enjoying breathtaking views while strolling through Cedros Avenue Design District displaying works from renowned artists or experience annual Fiestas de Las Lanchas celebration honoring this community's long standing Mexican heritage making it one of the most popular destination in California.

 Ames, IASolana Beach, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock13,025329,725,481
 Median Income$54,339  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock46.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$239,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.9%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 Solana Beach    3 Reviews

I've lived in Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Venice Beach, Hermosa Beach, San Luis Obispo, Carlsbad, Encinitas and my wife and I saved up every penny we could to buy a  More

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Rent has skyrocketed in Solana Beach in the past ten years. High rent and more people cramming into single person rental units.   More

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Over 20 years ago

Very expensive. Being from east coast it was hard because people dont speak to you in normal situations..example , picking up kids from school ..if you pass a parent  More

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