Ames, IA vs El Centro, CA
Cost of Living Comparison
Ames, IA is more affordable by 6.3 index points
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Ames, IA | El Centro, CA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 88.8 | 95.2 | -6.3 |
| Housing | 69.2 | 66.3 | +2.9 |
| Goods | 93.7 | 105.2 | -11.4 |
| Utilities | 83.0 | 157.2 | -74.2 |
| Other Services | 92.9 | 100.3 | -7.3 |
Income & Housing Comparison
| Metric | Ames, IA | El Centro, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $68,107 | $53,847 |
| Median Home Value | $216,000 | $256,000 |
| Median Monthly Rent | $981 | $961 |
| Per Capita Income | $36,295 | $21,216 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ames, IA or El Centro, CA cheaper to live in?
Ames, IA is more affordable. The cost of living difference is 6.3 index points (Ames, IA: 88.8, El Centro, CA: 95.2).
Where is housing cheaper, Ames, IA or El Centro, CA?
Housing is more affordable in El Centro, CA. Housing index: Ames, IA (69.2) vs El Centro, CA (66.3).