Ames, IA vs West Des Moines, IA

Ames is moderately more affordable than West Des Moines, with a 7.6% lower cost of living index. Ames scores 85 compared to 92 for West Des Moines, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of West Des Moines can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Ames is $1,040/month compared to $1,194/month in West Des Moines — a 13% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ames is more affordable at $263,800 median vs $286,300.

Median household income in Ames is $60,102 compared to $84,925 in West Des Moines (-29.2%). While West Des Moines is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Ames spend roughly 20.8% of their income on rent, more than the 16.9% in West Des Moines.