Ames, IA vs Davenport, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Davenport is 17.1% cheaper than Ames. With a cost index of 73 vs 85, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Davenport 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 $930/month in Davenport — a 12% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Davenport is more affordable at $162,900 median vs $263,800.

Median household income in Ames is $60,102 compared to $64,497 in Davenport (-6.8%). Davenport 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 17.3% in Davenport.