2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Carlsbad, NM vs Ames, IA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Ames older or younger than people in Carlsbad?
- The Median Age in Ames is 11.7 years younger than in Carlsbad.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ames or Carlsbad?
- Ames housing costs are 30.1% more expensive than Carlsbad housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ames or Carlsbad?
- The average commute for residents of Ames is 1.8 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Carlsbad.

Things to do in Carlsbad?
Carlsbad is a city located in southeastern New Mexico that is known for its stunning landscape of caves, limestone cliffs and deserts dotted with cacti. It is home to Carlsbad Caverns National Park which contains over 100 limestone caves filled with unique formations that attract nature-lovers from across the globe. There are also several recreational activities available like rock climbing and ATV tours along with various art galleries featuring local history exhibits to explore!

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.

 Carlsbad, NMAmes, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock65,522329,725,481
 Median Income$70,745  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock23.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$183,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock2.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time18.25  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Carlsbad    16 Reviews

I've only been here for a few months, but I can quickly sum up this town as a rundown truck stop, perpetually buffeted by relentless wind, dirt, and hot air. The gas  More

   |    Reply

Over 3 years ago

We used to visit here every few years from Michigan just to see the Living Desert State Park. A very long way to drive to spend a a couple of days in this hauntingly  More

   |    Reply

Been here 9 years. Very difficult place. Price gouging, extremely expensive to live here. Crazy amounts of crime, cops do nothing. Very crowded, bad traffic and crazy  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Carlsbad

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.