2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Sumter, SC vs Ames, IA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Ames or is it cheaper to live in Sumter?
- Ames is 10.6% more expensive than Sumter.

Which city has more affordable housing, Ames or Sumter?
- Ames housing costs are 77.7% more expensive than Sumter housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Sumter or is Health Care more affordable in Ames.
- Health related expenses are 15.0% more in Ames.
 Sumter, SCAmes, IAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock87.6100
 Food & Groceries92.9  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock120.8100
 Housing49.8  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$239,100$338,100
 Utilities98  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock67.2100
 Miscellaneous75.1  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Sumter    11 Reviews

I work in Sumter. I have been thoroughly impressed by the talent that lives in the area. Folks who get it done. In terms of a place to live. Though Sumter has a  More

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Over 6 years ago

About me: I lived in Sumter from birth to around 22 years old. I have since lived in many states, and currently reside in CO, and love it. I prefer towns smaller than  More

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Over 14 years ago

We are a transplanted military family who always intended on retiring in Florida when we retired from the Air Force. We enjoy the small town feeling of Sumter and have  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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