CostByCity

Ames, IA vs Salem, OR

Cost of Living Comparison

Ames, IA is more affordable by 14.8 index points

Side-by-Side Comparison

CategoryAmes, IASalem, ORDifference
Overall88.8103.6-14.8
Housing69.2110.3-41.2
Goods93.7105.3-11.5
Utilities83.0104.7-21.7
Other Services92.9100.3-7.4

Income & Housing Comparison

MetricAmes, IASalem, OR
Median Household Income$68,107$72,154
Median Home Value$216,000$358,700
Median Monthly Rent$981$1,227
Per Capita Income$36,295$34,631

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ames, IA or Salem, OR cheaper to live in?
Ames, IA is more affordable. The cost of living difference is 14.8 index points (Ames, IA: 88.8, Salem, OR: 103.6).
Where is housing cheaper, Ames, IA or Salem, OR?
Housing is more affordable in Ames, IA. Housing index: Ames, IA (69.2) vs Salem, OR (110.3).