CostByCity

Ames, IA vs Grand Rapids, MI

Cost of Living Comparison

Ames, IA is more affordable by 6.7 index points

Side-by-Side Comparison

CategoryAmes, IAGrand Rapids, MIDifference
Overall88.895.5-6.7
Housing69.286.6-17.4
Goods93.793.7+0.0
Utilities83.093.8-10.8
Other Services92.999.6-6.6

Income & Housing Comparison

MetricAmes, IAGrand Rapids, MI
Median Household Income$68,107$76,898
Median Home Value$216,000$239,900
Median Monthly Rent$981$1,078
Per Capita Income$36,295$38,016

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ames, IA or Grand Rapids, MI cheaper to live in?
Ames, IA is more affordable. The cost of living difference is 6.7 index points (Ames, IA: 88.8, Grand Rapids, MI: 95.5).
Where is housing cheaper, Ames, IA or Grand Rapids, MI?
Housing is more affordable in Ames, IA. Housing index: Ames, IA (69.2) vs Grand Rapids, MI (86.6).