Cost of Living in Ames, IA
Population 67,669 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates
The median rent in Ames, IA is $1,023/month, 5% higher than the Iowa median and 28% lower than the U.S. median. The median home value is $277,400, 17% lower than the national median. Households earn a median of $60,991 a year, 19% lower than the state median.
Affordability
Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary
Ames vs. Iowa vs. U.S.
| Ames | Iowa | U.S. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,023 | $972 | $1,413 |
| Median home value | $277,400 | $208,000 | $332,700 |
| Median household income | $60,991 | $75,059 | $80,734 |
| Homeownership rate | 42.1% | 71.7% | 65.2% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 65.8% | 31.4% | 35.7% |
| Poverty rate | 25.5% | 11.1% | 12.5% |
| Unemployment rate | 5.8% | 3.6% | 5.2% |
| Work from home | 12.1% | 11.3% | 15.1% |
| Median age | 23.3 | 38.6 | 38.9 |
FAQ
What is the average rent in Ames, IA?
The median gross rent in Ames, IA is $1,023 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).
How much do I need to earn to live in Ames, IA?
Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $40,920 a year in gross income.
Is Ames, IA expensive to live in?
Rent there is 28% lower than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 4.5 times the median household income.
Other cities in Iowa
Cities with a similar cost of living
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.
Explore more
New tools, top deals and new pages — one short email a week. No spam.