2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Jefferson, IA vs Ames, IA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Ames or is it cheaper to live in Jefferson?
- Ames is 21.5% more expensive than Jefferson.

Which city has more affordable housing, Ames or Jefferson?
- Ames housing costs are 160.3% more expensive than Jefferson housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Jefferson or is Health Care more affordable in Ames.
- Health related expenses are 12.0% more in Ames.
 Jefferson, IAAmes, IAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock87.6100
 Food & Groceries94.0  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock120.8100
 Housing34.0  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$239,100$338,100
 Utilities102  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock67.2100
 Miscellaneous88.7  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Jefferson    2 Reviews

Over 7 years ago

We moved to Jefferson from another state and love it here. We've been made to feel welcome by so many folks. People are kind here and there's a focus on the community.  More

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Over 11 years ago

Life is good in Jefferson. Low crime, low cost of living, small town friendliness, good access to health care, close enough to larger metropolitan amenities. Good  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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