2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Fargo, ND vs Ames, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Ames older or younger than people in Fargo?
- The Median Age in Ames is 8.1 years younger than in Fargo.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ames or Fargo?
- Ames housing costs are 14.5% less expensive than Fargo housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ames or Fargo?
- The average commute for residents of Ames is 1.4 minutes longer than it is for residents of Fargo.

Things to do in Fargo?
Fargo, North Dakota is a vibrant city in the Red River Valley. It offers many recreational activities including golfing at the Edgewood Golf Course, exploring the Fargo-Moorhead area by bike or foot on the area's beautiful trails, and watching ice hockey games at Scheels Arena. Arts and culture lovers can take in performances from local theater groups such as Spokane Civic Theatre or attend events like the annual Fargo-Moorhead Jazz Festival. There are plenty of shopping and dining options ranging from great farmers markets to high-end steakhouses. Whether you’re looking for a place to call home or just some entertainment, Fargo won't disappoint!

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.

 Fargo, NDAmes, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock65,522329,725,481
 Median Income$60,243  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock23.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$279,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock2.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time15.02  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Fargo    32 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

Grew up in Fargo/Northern MN area and was there 29 years. It’s cheap to live, tons of things to do in the summer. But 3-6 months of the year you more than likely will  More

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Tyrel · 

Grew up in south Minneapolis and headed 3 hours west to Fargo. Why did I want to leave the Twin Cities area? Found a great job. Nicer apartment for less money. Nice  More

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Not your typical North Dakota town. Fargo is on the Minnesota border and Cass County makes up 1/4 of the entire states population. It is the urban center and much more  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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