Ames, Iowa vs. Forest Lake, Minnesota

Cost of Living Comparison

The cost of living in Forest Lake, Minnesota is 20.5% more expensive than Ames, Iowa.

You would need a salary of $60,244 in Forest Lake, Minnesota to maintain the standard of living you have in Ames, Iowa.
Comparison highlights
• Overall, Forest Lake, Minnesota is more expensive than Ames, Iowa
• Median Home Cost is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference.
Median Home Cost
58% more expensive in Forest Lake
than in Ames, Iowa
Ames, IA vs. Forest Lake, MN
Compared to Ames, Forest Lake is:
  Homeowner
      No Child Care, Taxes not Considered
  20.5% higher
      Child Care, Taxes not Considered
      Child Care, Taxes Considered
      No Child Care, Taxes Considered
  Renter
      No Child Care, Taxes not Considered
      Child Care, Taxes not Considered
      Child Care, Taxes Considered
      No Child Care, Taxes Considered
  Food
  4.9% higher
  Housing (Homeowner)
  51.5% higher
  Housing (Rent)
  Median Home Cost
  Utilities
  2.2% higher
  Commute
  67.9% higher
  Health
  38.6% lower
  Taxes
  Childcare
  Personal
  14.7% higher