2026 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Ashland, OH vs Ames, IA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Ames or is it cheaper to live in Ashland?
- Ames is 13.3% more expensive than Ashland.

Which city has more affordable housing, Ames or Ashland?
- Ames housing costs are 110.2% more expensive than Ashland housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Ashland or is Health Care more affordable in Ames.
- Health related expenses are 33.3% more in Ames.
 Ashland, OHAmes, IAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock87.6100
 Food & Groceries96.6  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock120.8100
 Housing42.1  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$239,100$338,100
 Utilities96  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock67.2100
 Miscellaneous87.2  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Ashland    6 Reviews

I've lived all over the country working in healthcare.Have lived in ashland for the last 30 years.If you like smaller towns,you will like Ashland.Very friendly (as most  More

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I moved here a little under two years ago for personal reasons and for my child to have a decent school to go to. I have found the people very unwelcoming and cliquish,  More

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Over 16 years ago

I have lived in here all my life. Ashland is a great place to raise a family. There are lots of parks and activities for families to enjoy. It is also a very safe  More

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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

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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

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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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