2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Lincoln, NE vs Ames, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Ames older or younger than people in Lincoln?
- The Median Age in Ames is 9.6 years younger than in Lincoln.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ames or Lincoln?
- Ames housing costs are 9.2% less expensive than Lincoln housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ames or Lincoln?
- The average commute for residents of Ames is 1.9 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Lincoln.

Things to do in Lincoln?
Lincoln, Nebraska is an exciting destination for those looking for a big city feel. Here you'll find the historic Haymarket District, complete with shops, restaurants and museums. Take a walk to the University of Nebraska and explore its botanical garden, galleries and expansive library system. Visit Lincoln Children's Zoo and have a family day full of fun activities like rides, live entertainment and animal encounters. With its vibrant culture and stunning scenery, there's something special awaiting everyone in Lincoln!

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.

 Lincoln, NEAmes, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock65,522329,725,481
 Median Income$62,566  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock23.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$263,400  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock2.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time18.32  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Lincoln    67 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

I've lived in Lincoln since 1965. Since the Boosalis Administration the city has been in a slow continual decline despite a growing population. Downtown Lincoln is  More

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I grew up in Lincoln. As a child I have nothing but fond memories of this city. I moved around a few times, places including Crete, and Omaha. Lincoln gives you the best  More

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Over 5 years ago

I've lived in Lincoln for 7 years and love it. Communities are safe, and if you forget to close your garage door, neighbors will call you. There are lots of trails that  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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