2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Orono, MN vs Ames, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Ames older or younger than people in Orono?
- The Median Age in Ames is 22.0 years younger than in Orono.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ames or Orono?
- Ames housing costs are 74.7% less expensive than Orono housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ames or Orono?
- The average commute for residents of Ames is 10.2 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Orono.

Things to do in Orono?
Orono, MN is a small town located close to the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. It is known for its tight-knit community, excellent school system, and beautiful parks and nature reserves. Residents enjoy the peaceful atmosphere that Orono provides with its low crime rate and quiet neighborhoods. The local shops offer unique products that make living in Orono even more special, ranging from fresh produce to handmade crafts. With plenty of outdoor activities to do year-round, such as camping and canoeing at Lake Minnetonka or biking along scenic trails, there is no shortage of things to do in this charming town.

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.

 Orono, MNAmes, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock65,522329,725,481
 Median Income$159,816  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock23.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$945,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock2.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time26.61  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Orono    1 Reviews

Orono is a nice place to live, especially for families with children. First, the schools (k-12) are really good. It is hard for your child to get lost in the shuffle  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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