2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Boulder, CO vs Ames, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Ames older or younger than people in Boulder?
- The Median Age in Ames is 5.5 years younger than in Boulder.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ames or Boulder?
- Ames housing costs are 76.0% less expensive than Boulder housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ames or Boulder?
- The average commute for residents of Ames is 2.7 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Boulder.

Things to do in Boulder?
Boulder, Colorado is a unique city in the foothills of the Rockies. From incredible outdoor recreation to delicious food and vibrant nightlife, Boulder has something for everyone. Nature lovers will be captivated by the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and can take advantage of over 200 miles of trails for hiking, biking and climbing. For those looking to relax, Boulder Creek Path provides visitors with a peaceful respite from busy city life. Culture aficionados won’t want to miss out on visiting various galleries and historic landmarks throughout town, such as the Chautauqua Park Historic District or view pieces at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art. And after a day spent exploring this beautiful city, guests can unwind at one of Boulder’s many restaurants for some delicious local fare or enjoy a lively night at one of its lively bars! With its stunning mountain views and endless activities, Boulder promises to leave visitors with lasting memories!

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.

 Boulder, COAmes, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock65,522329,725,481
 Median Income$74,902  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock23.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$997,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock2.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time19.11  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Boulder    55 Reviews

Outside of the university, Boulder had a very distinctive "wealthy hippy" feel. A lot of alternative medicine and a matching ethos. This is changing some among my  More

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We moved here from Texas about 4 years ago and love it here! The amazing sense of community and high regard for the environment are two of the main reasons we love  More

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Over 5 years ago

Most people do much worse than Boulder. I'm the most critical person I've ever met who is never happy or satisfied -- so that's a pretty huge compliment.   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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