2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Rochester, NY vs Ames, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Ames older or younger than people in Rochester?
- The Median Age in Ames is 9.5 years younger than in Rochester.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ames or Rochester?
- Ames housing costs are 82.7% more expensive than Rochester housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ames or Rochester?
- The average commute for residents of Ames is 3.6 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Rochester.

Things to do in Rochester?
Rochester, New York is a vibrant city with plenty of attractions for everyone. Nature lovers can explore the scenic Genesee River or take a hike at Durand Eastman Park. History buffs should check out sites like the George Eastman Museum to learn more about the area's past. Sports fans can catch a game at Frontier Field, while foodies can sample all kinds of delicious eats throughout town. Shopping lovers should visit The Marketplace at Oxbridge or Pittsford Plaza for good deals on all kinds of items. With its rich culture and exciting activities, Rochester is an incredible place to visit!

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.

 Rochester, NYAmes, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock65,522329,725,481
 Median Income$40,083  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock23.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$130,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock2.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time20.06  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Rochester    79 Reviews

Stay out of the rougher patches, and you'll find a pretty solid city. I live within close proximity to it, and the crime from it DOES rub off on us (auto theft), but  More

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Rochester isn't perfect (I'll detail pros and cons), but it's certainly perfect for me and my husband. We've lived here for 4 years and are getting ready to purchase our  More

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Rochester is a scenic city with so much to offer in terms of things to do and having 4 seasons, except the summer is more like a long spring!! It's a relatively unknown  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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