2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Mercer Island, WA vs Ames, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Ames older or younger than people in Mercer Island?
- The Median Age in Ames is 22.1 years younger than in Mercer Island.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ames or Mercer Island?
- Ames housing costs are 88.9% less expensive than Mercer Island housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ames or Mercer Island?
- The average commute for residents of Ames is 7.3 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Mercer Island.

Things to do in Mercer Island?
Mercer Island, Washington is a vibrant city located in King County and renowned for its lush parks and nature reserves, thriving restaurants, and small-town charm. It offers plenty of activities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy, from exploring Luther Burbank Park to kayaking on Lake Washington. Visitors can also explore local attractions such as the Mercer Island Historical Society or shop at nearby malls such as Bellevue Square. With easy access to Seattle and other major cities like Redmond and Kirkland, Mercer Island makes an ideal destination for visitors seeking an unforgettable experience close to urban amenities.

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.

 Mercer Island, WAAmes, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock65,522329,725,481
 Median Income$170,000  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock23.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$2,145,300  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock2.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time23.72  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Mercer Island    4 Reviews

Mercer Island is a wonderful family community. It feels much more "small town" than a city even though it has a population of 20,000+. People say hello and watch out  More

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Mercer Island is a suburb of Seattle, located on an island in Lake Washington. The best thing about Mercer Island is its strategically central location relative to the  More

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Mercer Island is a suburb of Seattle, located on an island in Lake Washington. The best thing about Mercer Island is its strategically central location relative to the  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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