2026 Compare Cities Overview:
Ames, IA vs The Dalles, OR

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in The Dalles older or younger than people in Ames?
- The Median Age in The Dalles is 14.3 years older than in Ames.

Are housing costs cheaper in The Dalles or Ames?
- The Dalles housing costs are 52.7% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, The Dalles or Ames?
- The average commute for residents of The Dalles is 1.7 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 The Dalles?
The Dalles, OR is an incorporated city located in Wasco County east-south-east from Portland with close to fifteen thousand people living there. The Dalles features lots of outdoor venues such as Anderson Homestead Park providing locals or tourists something enjoyable during their stay here! Moreover there are numerous eateries and retail outlets nearby bringing something unique when they’re here.

 Ames, IAThe Dalles, ORUnited States
 Population  Unlock15,942329,725,481
 Median Income$54,339  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock37.738.4
 Avg. Home Price$239,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.0%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time16.44  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Ames    12 Reviews

Over 14 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 14 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 The Dalles    5 Reviews

Over 6 years ago

I've lived in The Dalles for two years and I love it. The community is so kind and eager to get people involved. It's small enough that getting around town is quick and  More

   |    Reply

Over 7 years ago

WE chose TheDalles after living in WA State, Arizona, PA, and Texas over a 45 year span. Small town atmosphere and traffic, one of the BEST libraries in the country,  More

   |    Reply

Over 11 years ago

Fifteen year implant from from Seattle, don't miss the traffic,rain and gloom. Love the sun, water, picturesque views, history, hiking, cycling, small town parades and  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of The Dalles


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.