2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Monona, WI vs Ames, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Ames older or younger than people in Monona?
- The Median Age in Ames is 22.3 years younger than in Monona.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ames or Monona?
- Ames housing costs are 37.5% less expensive than Monona housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ames or Monona?
- The average commute for residents of Ames is 5.1 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Monona.

Things to do in Monona?
Living in Monona, WI is a great experience. It is a small town located just outside of Madison, and offers a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere. The community is close knit and the residents have a strong sense of pride in their city. The public schools are top notch and there are plenty of recreational activities to enjoy outdoors. With its convenient location near Madison, there are plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment options available as well. Monona residents enjoy the natural beauty that comes with living in Wisconsin and take advantage of it with outdoor activities like hiking, biking or kayaking on Lake Monona.

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.

 Monona, WIAmes, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock65,522329,725,481
 Median Income$82,579  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock23.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$382,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock2.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time21.53  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Monona    0 Reviews

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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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