2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Ames, IA vs Sun Prairie, WI

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Sun Prairie or is it cheaper to live in Ames?
- Sun Prairie is 18.0% more expensive than Ames.

Which city has more affordable housing, Sun Prairie or Ames?
- Sun Prairie housing costs are 21.5% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Ames or is Health Care more affordable in Sun Prairie.
- Health related expenses are 23.1% less in Sun Prairie.
 Ames, IASun Prairie, WIUnited States
 Overall  Unlock103.4100
 Food & Groceries97.3  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock92.9100
 Housing88.5  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$359,400$338,100
 Utilities99  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock87.2100
 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 Sun Prairie    4 Reviews

Over 6 years ago

I love it here, the weather is absolutely fantastic if you like freezing your toes off.  More

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Typically cold winters, lots of snow. Summers are typically pleasant, but can be high humidity. Poor Air Quality year round. Mild spring and fall Summer can have  More

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Over 14 years ago

Crime is very low, I seldom feel like I have to lock my car or even my house. The schools here are pretty good, and have no tolerance for bullies (so if you have any,  More

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