2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Palmer, AK vs Ames, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Ames older or younger than people in Palmer?
- The Median Age in Ames is 7.1 years younger than in Palmer.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ames or Palmer?
- Ames housing costs are 31.9% less expensive than Palmer housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ames or Palmer?
- The average commute for residents of Ames is 13.7 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Palmer.

Things to do in Palmer?
Living in Palmer, AK is a unique experience. The small town atmosphere and friendly locals make it a great place to call home. The outdoors offer countless activities, from hiking to fishing and hunting, or simply enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Alaskan wilderness. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration, including local trails and nearby parks and recreation areas. Shopping in Palmer is also convenient with an array of stores to choose from. Public transportation makes getting around easy whether you need to get to Anchorage or Wasilla. Overall, Palmer is a wonderful place to live with its small-town charm and proximity to so many outdoor attractions.

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.

 Palmer, AKAmes, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock65,522329,725,481
 Median Income$62,068  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock23.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$351,300  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock2.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time30.16  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Palmer    3 Reviews

The first time I saw Palmer was in 1974. It's grown up from the old days of farm country complete with 4-H clubs, fields of crops and livestock. Gone are most of the  More

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Over 19 years ago

The four months of cold and dark. Winter lasts about 8 months, but the real cold, dark lasts about 4 months. It is getting harder and harder to deal with as I get  More

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Over 19 years ago

I have lived in Palmer for 11 years. I love everything about it except about four months of the dark, cold winters. The people are  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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