2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Boone, NC vs Ames, IA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Ames older or younger than people in Boone?
- The Median Age in Ames is 2.5 years older than in Boone.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ames or Boone?
- Ames housing costs are 42.9% less expensive than Boone housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ames or Boone?
- The average commute for residents of Ames is 3.1 minutes longer than it is for residents of Boone.

Things to do in Boone?
Boone, NC is a small city located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Surrounded by outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing and mountain biking, Boone has become a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. The town itself offers a variety of restaurants, shopping and entertainment venues. With its friendly people and breathtaking scenery, Boone is the perfect place to visit or live.

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.

 Boone, NCAmes, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock65,522329,725,481
 Median Income$24,756  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock23.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$418,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock2.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time13.34  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Boone    15 Reviews

Not sure where they got the rents from. Maybe not updated as there is nowhere to rent in Boone. Unless a student and they are paying $1000+ for 1 bedroom/bath shared  More

   |    Reply

Over 11 years ago

Boone and the High Country's climate is unique to North Carolina and the Southeast. It's cool summers and snowy winters are much more comparable to places much farther  More

   |    Reply

The area is beautiful - living in the Blue Ridge Mountains is gorgeous. But .. the views don't pay the bills. Housing is overpriced. You are better off living  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Boone

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    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


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.