Ames, IA vs Cedar Falls, IA

Ames, IA and Cedar Falls, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.3% difference in their overall index. Ames scores 85 while Cedar Falls scores 87 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Ames is $1,040/month compared to $1,177/month in Cedar Falls — a 12% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Ames has cheaper rent, Cedar Falls actually has lower median home values ($252,500 vs $263,800).

Median household income in Ames is $60,102 compared to $74,165 in Cedar Falls (-19%). While Cedar Falls is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Ames spend roughly 20.8% of their income on rent, more than the 19% in Cedar Falls.