2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Portland, ME vs Ames, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Ames older or younger than people in Portland?
- The Median Age in Ames is 13.5 years younger than in Portland.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ames or Portland?
- Ames housing costs are 47.0% less expensive than Portland housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ames or Portland?
- The average commute for residents of Ames is 2.7 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Portland.

Things to do in Portland?
Portland, Maine is a picturesque coastal city located on the shores of Casco Bay. This historic town features an array of attractions for visitors to explore such as the fascinating Victoria Mansion or the charming Portland Lighthouse. Residents here also enjoy plenty of outdoor activities at Back Cove or Willard Beach. With its top-rated schools, thriving businesses, and wide selection of recreational opportunities, it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Portland their home.

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.

 Portland, MEAmes, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock65,522329,725,481
 Median Income$66,109  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock23.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$451,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock2.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time19.13  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Portland    35 Reviews

Used to be great before the pandemic. Now people from out of state have ruined it by paying New York prices for real estate site unseen. Why would you live in Maine when  More

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Over 4 years ago

I have never lived here but the lack of Jimmy John’s is depressing and makes me wish I was deceased.  More

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Reggie · 
Over 7 years ago

I found out I was allergic to corn on the cob here. I would give Portland twelve thumbs downs if I could. My friend told me there was a subway here and I thought he  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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