2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Solana Beach, CA vs Ames, IA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Ames older or younger than people in Solana Beach?
- The Median Age in Ames is 23.0 years younger than in Solana Beach.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ames or Solana Beach?
- Ames housing costs are 87.4% less expensive than Solana Beach housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ames or Solana Beach?
- The average commute for residents of Ames is 6.8 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Solana Beach.

Things to do in Solana Beach?
Solana Beach, CA is an incorporated city situated north of San Diego in San Diego County with a population estimated around 13400 people living there. Solana Beach provides visitors access to Fletcher Cove Beach open 365 days a year along with many restaurants offering cuisines from Asian-fusion to classic American taking advantage of locally sourced ingredients gathered at regular farmers markets held all over town. Tourists can also find here great shopping opportunities while enjoying breathtaking views while strolling through Cedros Avenue Design District displaying works from renowned artists or experience annual Fiestas de Las Lanchas celebration honoring this community's long standing Mexican heritage making it one of the most popular destination in California.

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.

 Solana Beach, CAAmes, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock65,522329,725,481
 Median Income$113,903  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock23.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,893,300  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock2.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time23.2  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Solana Beach    3 Reviews

I've lived in Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Venice Beach, Hermosa Beach, San Luis Obispo, Carlsbad, Encinitas and my wife and I saved up every penny we could to buy a  More

   |    Reply

Rent has skyrocketed in Solana Beach in the past ten years. High rent and more people cramming into single person rental units.   More

   |    Reply

Over 20 years ago

Very expensive. Being from east coast it was hard because people dont speak to you in normal situations..example , picking up kids from school ..if you pass a parent  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Solana Beach

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Ames


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.