Ames, IA vs Waterloo, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Waterloo is 21.2% cheaper than Ames. With a cost index of 70 vs 85, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Waterloo 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 $896/month in Waterloo — a 16% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waterloo is more affordable at $150,200 median vs $263,800.

Median household income in Ames is $60,102 compared to $56,344 in Waterloo (+6.7%). 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 19.1% in Waterloo.