2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Fairbanks, AK vs Ames, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Ames older or younger than people in Fairbanks?
- The Median Age in Ames is 4.8 years younger than in Fairbanks.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ames or Fairbanks?
- Ames housing costs are 13.2% less expensive than Fairbanks housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ames or Fairbanks?
- The average commute for residents of Ames is 3.5 minutes longer than it is for residents of Fairbanks.

Things to do in Fairbanks?
Fairbanks AK rests close Arctic Circle famed principally for its natural sites such as Chena River State Recreation Area where visitors may take part in different water sports or simply enjoy some peace & tranquility while walking along sandy beaches!

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.

 Fairbanks, AKAmes, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock65,522329,725,481
 Median Income$66,572  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock23.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$275,600  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock2.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time12.94  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Fairbanks    20 Reviews

I have lived in the Fairbanks area for about 25 years and have become very comfortable with the community and the lifestyle here. That said, retirement is fast  More

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Over 14 years ago

Comments about Fairbanks, both positive and negative, are of interest to me. Was in Fairbanks this past March [and north on Cleary Summit] and fell in love with the  More

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Over 15 years ago

I came to Alaska 15 years ago on an adventure and first lived in Juneau, which I LOVED and then moved to Eagle River, which I loved and now live in Fairbanks! I do not  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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