2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Ames, IA vs St. Charles, IL

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Highlights
Are people in St. Charles older or younger than people in Ames?
- The Median Age in St. Charles is 18.8 years older than in Ames.

Are housing costs cheaper in St. Charles or Ames?
- St. Charles housing costs are 59.3% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, St. Charles or Ames?
- The average commute for residents of St. Charles is 14.6 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 St. Charles?
St. Charles IL is situated northwest Chicago and has plenty to offer like Fox River running through the city center offering kayaking & fishing opportunities as well as vintage districts perfect for browsing thrift stores and eating out in quaint cafes.

 Ames, IASt. Charles, ILUnited States
 Population  Unlock32,908329,725,481
 Median Income$54,339  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock42.238.4
 Avg. Home Price$239,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.6%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 St. Charles    6 Reviews

Over 13 years ago

good  More

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Moving to Saint Charles from Kansas City was quite to sticker shock from a cost of living standpoint. I did do my homework and knew this would be the case, but it  More

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Over 16 years ago

St. Charles, Illinois is a small, trendy river town. It hosts amenities that appeal to everyone. Biking, running, walking, hiking, camping, horseback riding, kayaking,  More

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