2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Cary, IL vs Ames, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Ames older or younger than people in Cary?
- The Median Age in Ames is 15.6 years younger than in Cary.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ames or Cary?
- Ames housing costs are 23.3% less expensive than Cary housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ames or Cary?
- The average commute for residents of Ames is 17.9 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Cary.

Things to do in Cary?
Cary, Illinois is situated in McHenry county giving people a variety of culture attractions ranging from Oak Ridge Marsh Nature Preserve to Phillips Recreation Center combined with stores like Oakwood Hills Shopping Center and local food spots like Los Potrillos

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.

 Cary, ILAmes, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock65,522329,725,481
 Median Income$106,940  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock23.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$311,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock2.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time34.3  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Cary    3 Reviews

Over 14 years ago

nice town, very safe but high taxes.  More

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Over 14 years ago

The Fox River is a nice place to cruise around on the boat and visit all the area bars but after seeing one bar you've seen them all. There is very little artistic  More

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Over 16 years ago

High property taxes is one of the biggest deterrents to wanting to 'retire' almost anywhere in Illinois. Once on a fixed income this would be a huge drain on finite  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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