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Cost of Living in
Ames

Living cost is 5.5% lower than avg
Families spend upto $8,295/mo on avg
Homeowners spend $8,176/mo on avg
Renters spend $4,052/mo on avg

Cost of Living in
Ames

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A Breakdown of the Cost of Living in Ames, IA

U.S. Avg.

Ames, IA

Difference Diff

Home Price

$532,491

$508,334

Apartment Rent (per month)

$1,367

$1,103

19%

U.S. Avg.

Ames, IA

Difference Diff

Phone (per month)

$219.4

$191.16

13%

Total Energy (per month)

$200.23

$208.5

U.S. Avg.

Ames, IA

Difference Diff

Grocery Staples

Corn Flakes (per box)

$6.79

$5.15

24%

Frozen Corn (per bag)

$2.41

$1.97

18%

Frozen Meal (per package)

$4.85

$3.07

37%

Cooking Oil (per bottle)

$6.16

$8.99

46%

Detergent (per bottle)

$19.51

$20.69

Facial Tissues (per box)

$2.85

$2.24

21%

Sweet Peas (per can)

$1.83

$1.51

17%

Sugar (per bag)

$4.66

$4.22

Bread (per loaf)

$3.87

$3.99

Frying Chicken (per lb)

$1.64

$1.46

11%

Meat & Poultry

Chicken (per lb)

$1.71

$1.49

13%

Steak (per lb)

$14.54

$16.66

15%

Sausage (per lb)

$5.23

$5.36

Ground Beef (per lb)

$8.61

$7.28

15%

Snacks & Beverages

Soft Drink (per bottle)

$3.45

$2.89

16%

Potato Chips (per bag)

$5.54

$4.16

25%

Coffee (per lb)

$6.55

$5.94

Fresh Orange Juice (per half gallon)

$5.22

$4.76

Fruits & Vegetables

Peaches (per can)

$4.4

$2.45

44%

Lettuce (per head)

$1.98

Bananas (per lb)

$0.64

$0.77

20%

Potatoes (per bag)

$5.58

$4.97

11%

Dairy & Eggs

Parmesan Cheese (per lb)

$4.69

$4.99

Margarine (per lb)

$1.3

$1.51

16%

Eggs (per dozen)

$3.98

$4.58

15%

Whole Milk (per gallon)

$4.08

$4.51

11%

Seafood

Chunk Light Tuna (per can)

$1.22

$1.14

U.S. Avg.

Ames, IA

Difference Diff

Tire Balance (per tire)

$70.23

$69.23

Gasoline (per gallon)

$2.9

$2.96

U.S. Avg.

Ames, IA

Difference Diff

Doctor Visit (per visit)

$116.03

$141.88

22%

Dentist Visit (per visit)

$145.11

$109.91

24%

Ibuprofen (per bottle)

$12.38

$11.82

Prescription Drug (per month)

$20.8

$32.48

56%

Optometrist Visit (per visit)

$95.27

$194.11

104%

U.S. Avg.

Ames, IA

Difference Diff

Women’s Slacks

$35.43

$39

10%

Boys’ Jeans

$29.47

$34.68

18%

Men’s Shirt

$39.36

$35.74

Wine (per bottle)

$7.51

$11.57

54%

Beer (per 6-pack)

$11.17

$10.29

Veterinary Services (per visit)

$65.33

$55.99

14%

Tennis Balls (per pack)

$3.59

$4.36

21%

Yoga (per class)

$12

$16.88

41%

Movie (per ticket)

$11.67

23%

Newspaper (per copy)

$19.31

$4.67

76%

Washer Repair (per service)

$109.47

$119

Women Slacks

$34.88

$36.49

Boy Jeans

$29.51

$28.12

Man Dress Shirt

$39.05

$32.81

16%

Dry Cleaning (per item)

$13.45

$17.54

30%

Shampoo (per bottle)

$1.55

$1.59

Toothpaste (per tube)

$3.64

$4.08

12%

Beauty Salon (per visit)

$47.5

$50.07

Haircut (per cut)

$27.08

$29.5

Fried Chicken (per serving)

$4.37

$5.25

20%

Pizza (per pizza)

$11.99

$12.18

Hamburger (per serving)

$5.28

$5.65

Living in Ames costs 5.5% lower than US average. This means everyday expenses are generally more affordable, while still offering access to quality amenities and services.

Housing in Ames is 5% lower than US average. A median home price of $508,334 versus $532,491 gives you more affordability and greater flexibility when planning for long-term homeownership.
Renting in Ames is 19.3% lower than US average. With median rent at $1,103 per month versus $1,367, you often find better value across different neighborhoods and housing types.
Utilities in Ames are 3% lower than US average. Lower electricity costs of $208.5 and phone bills near $191.16 help reduce recurring monthly expenses.
Food and grocery prices in Ames are 3% lower than US average. With milk priced at $4.51 per gallon and bread at $3.99 per loaf, grocery spending tends to stay relatively manageable.
Transportation costs in Ames are 6.1% higher than US average. With gas prices at $2.96 per gallon, along with insurance and maintenance, commuting can quickly become a significant expense.
Healthcare costs in Ames are 9.75% higher than U.S. average. Doctor visits at $141.88 and dental checkups averaging $109.91 can increase out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Miscellaneous expenses in Ames are 0.71% lower than US average. From entertainment to personal services, lower prices help keep lifestyle spending in check.

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What is a Cost of Living Calculator?

A cost of living calculator helps you compare the expenses required to live in a different location. The calculator factors in various living expenses like housing, food, utilities, transportation, fitness, and entertainment, etc., and helps you estimate how much salary you need to live in that city. Since the cost of goods and services varies in different cities, a Ames cost of living calculator can help you make the decision to move to this city or not.

About Cost of Living Data

The data used to determine Ames's cost of living is sourced from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). Published since 1968, COLI data is recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This organization regularly updates its data to offer a detailed and well-researched view of living expenses in cities across the country. An independent Advisory Board reviews C2ER’s data collection methodologies and quarterly publications to ensure consistency and quality. For more information, visit www.coli.org. Data published as of Oct 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is gas in Ames?

The cost of gas in Ames averages around $2.96 per gallon. Prices may rise during peak travel seasons or around high-traffic periods like weekends or holidays. Additionally, congestion on major highways and thoroughfares can lead to longer drives and more frequent fill-ups.

Is Ames a good place to live?

Yes, Ames is a good place to live if you value a desirable climate, access to local amenities, and cultural diversity. It also has major transportation options like airports and well-regarded healthcare facilities. Certain neighborhoods in the city are known for having good schools and community resources.

What is the average cost of living in Ames?

The average cost of living in Ames, IA, is 5.5% lower than US average. Some neighborhoods are more expensive, while others offer more affordable living options, depending on local housing, amenities, and lifestyle.

What is the average rent in Ames?

A one-bedroom apartment in Ames typically rents for $1,103 per month. Prices vary by location, unit size, and amenities. Some neighborhoods are pricier due to convenience or popularity, while others offer more affordable options for residents.

What is the average price of utilities in Ames?

Utility costs in Ames are 3% lower than US average. This usually includes electricity, water, sewer, and trash, with costs potentially higher during extreme weather months.