Ames, IA vs Mason City, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Mason City is 23.5% cheaper than Ames. With a cost index of 69 vs 85, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Mason City 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 $874/month in Mason City — a 19% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Mason City is more affordable at $130,000 median vs $263,800.

Median household income in Ames is $60,102 compared to $62,369 in Mason City (-3.6%). Mason City 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 16.8% in Mason City.