2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Lafayette, IN vs Ames, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Ames older or younger than people in Lafayette?
- The Median Age in Ames is 9.1 years younger than in Lafayette.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ames or Lafayette?
- Ames housing costs are 20.5% more expensive than Lafayette housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ames or Lafayette?
- The average commute for residents of Ames is 0.2 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Lafayette.

Things to do in Lafayette?
Lafayette, Indiana is a vibrant city located in the Midwest United States. Home to attractions such as Art Museum of Greater Lafayette and Columbian Park Zoo visitors can enjoy outdoor activities and nature when visiting Lafayette. There are also plenty of museums, galleries, and performance venues such as Long Center for the Performing Arts and Purdue Convocations. For entertainment, visitors can explore downtown shopping districts and restaurants along with movie theaters and live music clubs. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting night out, Lafayette has something for everyone!

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.

 Lafayette, INAmes, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock65,522329,725,481
 Median Income$47,690  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock23.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$198,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock2.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time16.67  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Lafayette    16 Reviews

Over 12 years ago

I have lived here for 12 years and in a smaller town 20 miles away for over 35 years and like the people. But crime is on the rise, more arrests lately related to people  More

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Over 13 years ago

Lafayette still has a small town atmosphere. It is a wonderful place to raise children. There is a strong sense of community. Unfotunately in recent years Lafayette has  More

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I can say I have lived in Lafayette Indiana for 25 years. I'll say that home is home...but I would honestly say in less your a college student at Purdue, I would never  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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