Ames, IA vs Marshalltown, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Marshalltown is 26% cheaper than Ames. With a cost index of 68 vs 85, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Marshalltown 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 $864/month in Marshalltown — a 20% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Marshalltown is more affordable at $117,100 median vs $263,800.

Median household income in Ames is $60,102 compared to $68,854 in Marshalltown (-12.7%). Marshalltown 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 15.1% in Marshalltown.