Ames, IA vs Muscatine, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Muscatine is 15.8% cheaper than Ames. With a cost index of 74 vs 85, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Muscatine 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 $979/month in Muscatine — a 6% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Muscatine is more affordable at $146,900 median vs $263,800.

Median household income in Ames is $60,102 compared to $59,332 in Muscatine (+1.3%). 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 19.8% in Muscatine.