2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Ames, IA vs State College, PA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in State College older or younger than people in Ames?
- The Median Age in State College is 1.9 years younger than in Ames.

Are housing costs cheaper in State College or Ames?
- State College housing costs are 48.7% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, State College or Ames?
- The average commute for residents of State College is 0.1 minutes shorter 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 State College?
State College, Pennsylvania sits within Centre county featuring numerous parks combined with stores like Nittany Mall while also having local restaurants like Big Bowl Noodle House.

 Ames, IAState College, PAUnited States
 Population  Unlock40,352329,725,481
 Median Income$54,339  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock21.538.4
 Avg. Home Price$239,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.0%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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Ames

Reviews for State College    27 Reviews

I relocated to State College about 30 years ago. We hadn’t planned to stay this long, but life here is “easy”. Outdoor activities are ample. There are many beautiful  More

   |    Reply

State College is a small "safe" town, you will always see friends, coworkers, physicians, mechanics, supervisors...at the doctor's office, in the store, near your home,  More

   |    Reply

Over 15 years ago

I lived in State College, PA all my life untill 2006 when we finally moved south where it was warmer. State College itself is a fun place to be when it comes to football  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of State College


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.