2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Tempe, AZ vs Ames, IA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Ames or is it cheaper to live in Tempe?
- Ames is 22.5% less expensive than Tempe.

Which city has more affordable housing, Ames or Tempe?
- Ames housing costs are 35.9% less expensive than Tempe housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Tempe or is Health Care more affordable in Ames.
- Health related expenses are 30.6% more in Ames.
 Tempe, AZAmes, IAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock87.6100
 Food & Groceries98.1  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock120.8100
 Housing138.0  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$239,100$338,100
 Utilities101  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock67.2100
 Miscellaneous105.7  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Tempe    22 Reviews

Tempe is a very unique case of a College Town that has quickly become a Small College City or a Small City. It used to be where there was small pockets of walkability  More

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Tempe is a small city that definitely has nice areas, nice weather, the people are always good, and it is home of ASU. The Tempe town council has done a good job towards  More

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Over 11 years ago

Lived in Arizona 55 yrs Phoenix /Tempe lost my job and got a offer to keep my job but had to move Fall River MA. I will take the heat over days of cold anytime . January  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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