2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Oakland, IA vs Ames, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Ames older or younger than people in Oakland?
- The Median Age in Ames is 13.2 years younger than in Oakland.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ames or Oakland?
- Ames housing costs are 31.2% more expensive than Oakland housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ames or Oakland?
- The average commute for residents of Ames is 7.9 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Oakland.

Things to do in Oakland?
Oakland, IA is a small town with a tight-knit community. Residents enjoy the peacefulness of living in a rural setting, and take pride in their hometown. There’s plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy such as fishing, camping, swimming and hiking at the nearby parks and trails. Despite its small size, Oakland has a thriving local economy with many businesses that offer employment opportunities for residents. The town has some unique features like its railroad museum which celebrates the area's rail-roading history. In Oakland, people are friendly and welcoming to visitors who come to experience living in a rural setting with access 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.

 Oakland, IAAmes, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock65,522329,725,481
 Median Income$66,875  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock23.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$182,200  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock2.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time24.31  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Oakland    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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