Ames, IA Cost of Living


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Ames cost of living score
87.6
Less expensive
12.4% lower
than the US average
9.4% higher
than the Iowa average
Ames, Iowa gets a BestPlaces Cost of Living score of 87.6, which means the total cost of housing, food, childcare, transportation, healthcare, taxes, and other necessities is 12.4% lower than the U.S. average and 9.4% lower than the average for Iowa.

Ames, IA

Housing costs in Ames?
A typical home costs $239,100, which is 29.3% less expensive than the national average of $338,100 and 22.7% more expensive than the average Iowa home, at $194,900. Renting a two-bedroom unit in Ames costs $1,030 per month, which is 28.0% cheaper than the national average of $1,430 and 9.7% more than the state average of $930.

Can I afford Ames?
To live comfortably in Ames, Iowa, a minimum annual income of $45,720 for a family, and $36,400 for a single person is recommended.

What does A.I. say about Ames?
Ames is located about 25 miles north east of Des Moines with a population estimated at 65 thousand people. This charming town provides residents with access to excellent employment opportunities including numerous companies and industries found in neighboring Des Moines while also providing some of the lowest costs when it comes to real estate making it an ideal spot for both families and singles alike.
   Cost of living score
     CategoriesAmesIowaUnited States
  87.680.1100.0
  97.394.4100
  120.8108.2100.0
  88.555.4100.0
  $239,100$194,900$338,100
  98.6%98.5%100.0%
  67.271.4100.0
  114.196.3100.0

   100=National Average

   Average Rent by Bedroom Size
Reviews for Ames
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Over 12 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 12 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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