2025 Compare Cities Overview:
San Carlos, CA vs Ames, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Ames older or younger than people in San Carlos?
- The Median Age in Ames is 17.6 years younger than in San Carlos.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ames or San Carlos?
- Ames housing costs are 88.6% less expensive than San Carlos housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ames or San Carlos?
- The average commute for residents of Ames is 12.3 minutes shorter than it is for residents of San Carlos.

Things to do in San Carlos?
San Carlos, CA is located in San Mateo County and is known for its quiet residential streets enhanced by vibrant downtown business district. Residents can enjoy many outdoor activities such as sailing or golfing nearby.

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.

 San Carlos, CAAmes, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock65,522329,725,481
 Median Income$204,570  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock23.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$2,103,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock2.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time28.75  Unlock26.38
Reviews for San Carlos    1 Reviews

Over 18 years ago

I have lived in San Carlos for over 15 years and absolutely love it! There is a great mix of age groups and it is becoming more ethnically diverse. Kids play on my  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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