2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Columbus, IN vs Ames, IA

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Ames or is it cheaper to live in Columbus?
- Ames is 5.4% more expensive than Columbus.

Which city has more affordable housing, Ames or Columbus?
- Ames housing costs are 25.7% more expensive than Columbus housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Columbus or is Health Care more affordable in Ames.
- Health related expenses are 28.6% more in Ames.
 Columbus, INAmes, IAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock87.6100
 Food & Groceries94.5  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock120.8100
 Housing70.4  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$239,100$338,100
 Utilities99  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock67.2100
 Miscellaneous102.8  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

Reviews for Columbus    16 Reviews

Over 3 years ago

I grew up in Columbus Indiana and returned 38 years later after retiring. Columbus has always been a unique place to live and well above average for Indiana. However,  More

   |    Reply

Columbus is a beautiful town for young families or up and coming professionals. It has great restaurants, parks, architecture, and diverse recreation.   More

   |    Reply

Columbus is a friendly town that is welcoming to people from all backgrounds. It provides lots of amenities for young families with very close proximity to big cities  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Columbus

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.