2026 Compare Cities Overview:
Houston, TX vs Ames, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Ames older or younger than people in Houston?
- The Median Age in Ames is 10.3 years younger than in Houston.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ames or Houston?
- Ames housing costs are 3.5% less expensive than Houston housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ames or Houston?
- The average commute for residents of Ames is 10.6 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Houston.

Things to do in Houston?
Houston, Texas is a bustling city full of energy and opportunity. Boasting a diverse population, rich culture, world-class entertainment and endless adventures - Houston has something for everyone! From the awe inspiring views of downtown's skyline to the expansive bayous and swamps, there’s always something new to explore. With its rich food scene, vibrant nightlife and fascinating historical attractions - Houston is a truly unforgettable destination.

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.

 Houston, TXAmes, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock65,522329,725,481
 Median Income$56,019  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock23.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$247,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock2.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time27  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Houston    371 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

I moved to Houston from the San Francisco Bay area in 1991 after college but I have always had family here. Houston is not what you think of when you think of Texas  More

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Over 4 years ago

There's definitely lots of jobs/economic opportunity. It's quite racially diverse if that's your thing. Houston has awful urban sprawl. Expect awful traffic. Hot as hell  More

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Over 4 years ago

There's definitely lots of jobs/economic opportunity. It's quite racially diverse if that's your thing. Houston has awful urban sprawl. Expect awful traffic. Hot as hell  More

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Reviews for Ames    12 Reviews

Over 14 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 14 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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