Ames, OK vs Red Oak, OK

The cost of living difference between Ames, OK and Red Oak, OK is dramatic. Red Oak is 32.4% cheaper than Ames, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Ames has a cost index of 78 while Red Oak sits at 59, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

When it comes to buying, median home values in Ames are $96,400 compared to $70,000 in Red Oak, a 38% gap.

Median household income in Ames is $43,125 compared to $35,676 in Red Oak (+20.9%). The higher salaries in Ames partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap.