CostByCity

Ames, IA vs Chicago, IL

Cost of Living Comparison

Ames, IA is more affordable by 14.8 index points

Side-by-Side Comparison

CategoryAmes, IAChicago, ILDifference
Overall88.8103.6-14.8
Housing69.2112.0-42.8
Goods93.7107.3-13.5
Utilities83.083.6-0.6
Other Services92.9100.5-7.6

Income & Housing Comparison

MetricAmes, IAChicago, IL
Median Household Income$68,107$85,087
Median Home Value$216,000$288,400
Median Monthly Rent$981$1,310
Per Capita Income$36,295$45,977

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ames, IA or Chicago, IL cheaper to live in?
Ames, IA is more affordable. The cost of living difference is 14.8 index points (Ames, IA: 88.8, Chicago, IL: 103.6).
Where is housing cheaper, Ames, IA or Chicago, IL?
Housing is more affordable in Ames, IA. Housing index: Ames, IA (69.2) vs Chicago, IL (112.0).