2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Flagstaff, AZ vs Ames, IA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Ames or is it cheaper to live in Flagstaff?
- Ames is 24.6% less expensive than Flagstaff.

Which city has more affordable housing, Ames or Flagstaff?
- Ames housing costs are 48.3% less expensive than Flagstaff housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Flagstaff or is Health Care more affordable in Ames.
- Health related expenses are 5.4% more in Ames.
 Flagstaff, AZAmes, IAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock87.6100
 Food & Groceries100.3  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock120.8100
 Housing171.2  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$239,100$338,100
 Utilities99  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock67.2100
 Miscellaneous97.9  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Flagstaff    50 Reviews

Amber · 

Flagstaff is absolutely the perfect place to call home. Especially for families. 4 perfectly balanced seasons. None too extreme and all beautiful. Ridiculously safe!  More

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Leah · 

I've lived here for one year and have to move because the cost to rent here is astronomical. I've been paying $2550/month and now for a comparable home it is $2900 and  More

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Every place depends on what you are looking for. So I will say a bit about me so you can assess where the review is coming from. I am a professional, single, female  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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