Ames, IA vs Sioux City, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Sioux City is 17.3% 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 Sioux 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 $936/month in Sioux City — a 11% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Sioux City is more affordable at $162,600 median vs $263,800.

Median household income in Ames is $60,102 compared to $65,473 in Sioux City (-8.2%). Sioux 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 17.2% in Sioux City.