2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Sonora, CA vs Ames, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Ames older or younger than people in Sonora?
- The Median Age in Ames is 14.9 years younger than in Sonora.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ames or Sonora?
- Ames housing costs are 37.0% less expensive than Sonora housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ames or Sonora?
- The average commute for residents of Ames is 4.9 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Sonora.

Things to do in Sonora?
Living in Sonora, CA is a beautiful experience. The small city has a population of only about 5,000, giving it a cozy and peaceful atmosphere. The downtown area is full of charming shops and restaurants that offer the perfect opportunity for exploring the local culture. Nature lovers can enjoy hiking the nearby mountains and forests or spending time at New Melones Lake. With its mild climate, Sonora provides plenty of warm days and crisp nights throughout the year. In addition to all these great features, there are also lots of exciting activities like concerts, festivals, and art galleries to explore. Sonora is truly an ideal place to call 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.

 Sonora, CAAmes, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock65,522329,725,481
 Median Income$56,279  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock23.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$379,400  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock2.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time21.33  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Sonora    15 Reviews

I have lived in Sonora for two and a half years and love it. Some of the earlier reviews I read scared me before coming. Here is what we have found. We live in a  More

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Over 4 years ago

I have lived here for 8 years and I absolutely hate it. This town is not built for all the people it has to accommodate. Everyone from the ENTIRE county comes here to do  More

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Lived here for 21 years since my family moved up from the valley (to get away from gang violence and other crime). Traffic doesn't pay attention constantly running  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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