Ames, IA vs Fort Dodge, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Fort Dodge is 29.9% cheaper than Ames. With a cost index of 66 vs 85, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Fort Dodge 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 $764/month in Fort Dodge — a 36% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fort Dodge is more affordable at $128,900 median vs $263,800.

Median household income in Ames is $60,102 compared to $61,769 in Fort Dodge (-2.7%). Fort Dodge 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 14.8% in Fort Dodge.