2025 Compare Cities Overview:
La Crosse, WI vs Ames, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Ames older or younger than people in La Crosse?
- The Median Age in Ames is 6.0 years younger than in La Crosse.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ames or La Crosse?
- Ames housing costs are 15.3% more expensive than La Crosse housing costs.

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

Things to do in La Crosse?
La Crosse, Wisconsin is a vibrant city situated on the banks of the Mississippi River. It is known for its strong sense of community, eclectic mix of activities and attractions, and scenic beauty. There are plenty of things to do in La Crosse for both visitors and locals alike including outdoor recreation like cycling, kayaking, hiking, fishing and camping as well as cultural attractions such as museums, art galleries and music venues.

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.

 La Crosse, WIAmes, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock65,522329,725,481
 Median Income$47,067  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock23.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$207,400  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock2.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time15.06  Unlock26.38
Reviews for La Crosse    17 Reviews

Beth · 
Over 4 years ago

My family recently relocated here from the west coast. This town is a hidden gem. If you like hiking, biking, festivals, nightlife and river life, you’ll love LAX. While  More

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Over 4 years ago

This city sucks. First off, the people born and raised here think its great, but its a small little dump tbh. Very clicky and there nothing to do besides drinking at the  More

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I have lived in La Crosse for almost 30 years. Its basically a dying town. Their is not much of a future hear unless you like fish fry's on Friday night or going to  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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