Ames, IA vs Clinton, IA

The cost of living difference between Ames, IA and Clinton, IA is dramatic. Clinton is 33% cheaper than Ames, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Ames has a cost index of 85 while Clinton sits at 64, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Ames is $1,040/month compared to $751/month in Clinton — a 39% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Clinton is more affordable at $115,400 median vs $263,800.

Median household income in Ames is $60,102 compared to $57,493 in Clinton (+4.5%). Ames does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Ames spend roughly 20.8% of their income on rent, more than the 15.7% in Clinton.