| Index | Ames | Iowa | National |
| Cost of living | 100 | 89 | 100 |
| Groceries | 98 | 97 | 100 |
| Health care | 95 | 96 | 100 |
| Housing | 113 | 74 | 100 |
| Transportation | 96 | 97 | 100 |
| Utilities | 92 | 95 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 92 | 95 | 100 |
| Household Items | 98 | 97 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 90 | 94 | 100 |
The cost of living in Ames affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Ames is 100, which is 0% equal to the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.
The cost of living in Ames aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, household expenses, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Ames residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.
The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 18 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Ames. The feedback revealed that 89% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 11% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.
Is Ames affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Ames, the median home price is 18.1% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 0.6% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Ames boasting a median household income of $74,201, 8.8% lower than the national average.
Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Ames, the transportation index is 4.5% lower than the national average.
Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Ames, healthcare costs are 5% lower than the national average.
Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Ames, the utilities index is 8.3% lower than the national average.
The Ames cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.
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| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $141,082 | $11,757 | $3,292 | $4,233 |
| Renters | $47,346 | $3,946 | $1,105 | $1,421 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Iowa | 6% | 7% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Iowa | 4.4% | 6% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Randall, IA | 160 | 84 | 16.0% |
| Maxwell, IA | 765 | 85 | 14.9% |
| McCallsburg, IA | 494 | 86 | 13.6% |
| Boone, IA | 12,825 | 87 | 13.2% |
| Roland, IA | 1,411 | 88 | 12.0% |
| Ames, IA | 68,047 | 100 | 0.1% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Lakeville, MN | 67,943 | 122 | 21.8% |
| Eagan, MN | 68,193 | 117 | 16.6% |
| Auburn, AL | 67,890 | 104 | 4.5% |
| Shawnee, KS | 67,767 | 105 | 4.7% |
| West Des Moines, IA | 68,345 | 103 | 2.6% |
| Ames, IA | 68,047 | 100 | 0.1% |
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