2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Atlanta, GA vs Ames, IA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Ames or is it cheaper to live in Atlanta?
- Ames is 22.7% less expensive than Atlanta.

Which city has more affordable housing, Ames or Atlanta?
- Ames housing costs are 22.8% less expensive than Atlanta housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Atlanta or is Health Care more affordable in Ames.
- Health related expenses are 22.3% more in Ames.
 Atlanta, GAAmes, IAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock87.6100
 Food & Groceries98.8  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock120.8100
 Housing114.6  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$239,100$338,100
 Utilities104  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock67.2100
 Miscellaneous103.4  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Atlanta    318 Reviews

Lots of traffic near the airport at all times. Adds about 1.5 hrs to a 30 min commute. Great food and culture in downtown ATL area.  More

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Honestly the greater Atlanta area is the best place I've ever lived. There is so much diversity, delicious food, shopping, etc. The traffic really isn't that bad if you  More

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Over 2 years ago

I've lived just outside of Atlanta for 22 years and have spent a year deep within the hustle and bustle of the city. It's really NOT that bad. The crime really isn't  More

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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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