2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Eugene, OR vs Ames, IA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Ames or is it cheaper to live in Eugene?
- Ames is 17.8% less expensive than Eugene.

Which city has more affordable housing, Ames or Eugene?
- Ames housing costs are 36.8% less expensive than Eugene housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Eugene or is Health Care more affordable in Ames.
- Health related expenses are 25.8% more in Ames.
 Eugene, ORAmes, IAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock87.6100
 Food & Groceries100.9  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock120.8100
 Housing140.1  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$239,100$338,100
 Utilities81  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock67.2100
 Miscellaneous123.5  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Eugene    89 Reviews

Over 3 years ago

It’s cold and rainy and cloudy most of the year on June it rained and was cloudy every day except 3. The weather is mostly cloudy even if it’s not raining. If you want  More

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Over 3 years ago

Moved here from Austin, Texas about three years ago. I've lived in the Bay Area, California, San Diego, Los Angeles and various towns in Central Texas (Georgetown,  More

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Eugene has its warts, just like any other city. But in my view, the good things far outweigh the bad aspects. What I like the best is the location, right on the  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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