Ames, IA vs Cedar Rapids, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Cedar Rapids is 15% cheaper than Ames. With a cost index of 74 vs 85, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Cedar Rapids to Ames should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Ames is $1,040/month compared to $925/month in Cedar Rapids — a 12% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Cedar Rapids is more affordable at $177,100 median vs $263,800.

Median household income in Ames is $60,102 compared to $67,859 in Cedar Rapids (-11.4%). Cedar Rapids offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Ames spend roughly 20.8% of their income on rent, more than the 16.4% in Cedar Rapids.