2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Benson, MN vs Ames, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Ames older or younger than people in Benson?
- The Median Age in Ames is 20.0 years younger than in Benson.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ames or Benson?
- Ames housing costs are 70.4% more expensive than Benson housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ames or Benson?
- The average commute for residents of Ames is 2.9 minutes longer than it is for residents of Benson.

Things to do in Benson?
Benson, MN is a small town located in the state of Minnesota. It has a population of just under 4,500 people and is known as a peaceful and quiet community. The area is surrounded by open fields, forests and lakes, making it ideal for those looking to escape the bustle of city life. Residents enjoy the warm and friendly atmosphere that comes with living in a small town—everyone knows each other! Life in Benson revolves around family time and outdoor activities, whether it's fishing or hiking through the great outdoors. Summers can be quite hot but winters are often mild due to its location within the Midwest region, offering a diverse range of seasons all year round.

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.

 Benson, MNAmes, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock65,522329,725,481
 Median Income$45,489  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock23.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$140,300  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock2.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time13.54  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Benson    0 Reviews

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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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