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

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Ames older or younger than people in Durham?
- The Median Age in Ames is 11.2 years younger than in Durham.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ames or Durham?
- Ames housing costs are 38.4% less expensive than Durham housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ames or Durham?
- The average commute for residents of Ames is 6.1 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Durham.

Things to do in Durham?
Durham, North Carolina is a city with something for everyone. Explore the unique culture of downtown Durham and visit its many museums, art galleries, theatres, and shops. Take a walk through Duke Gardens or listen to live music at the bustling American Tobacco Campus. Visit the restored Bennett Place Historic Site and learn about the historic Civil War Battle of Bennett Place. For those looking for outdoor recreation, explore Eno River State Park or Lake Jordan. From world-class education to local craft breweries - Durham offers something special to all who visit!

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.

 Durham, NCAmes, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock65,522329,725,481
 Median Income$66,623  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock23.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$388,000  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock2.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time22.52  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Durham    43 Reviews

I was raised in this city, left for work in the 2010s, and returned in 2018. This city has changed a lot over the years for the better. Growing up there was not a ton to  More

   |    Reply

Over 4 years ago

I've lived in durham for a few years and my experience is coming from someone who has traveled all over the world and has lived in many different states. First things  More

   |    Reply

Over 4 years ago

I live here for my entire life and it has never gotten boring, I love the scenery, nightlife and basically everything here. There is always something new to do and  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Durham

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.