CostByCity

Ames, IA vs San Diego, CA

Cost of Living Comparison

Ames, IA is more affordable by 23.1 index points

Side-by-Side Comparison

CategoryAmes, IASan Diego, CADifference
Overall88.8111.9-23.1
Housing69.2179.3-110.1
Goods93.7108.0-14.2
Utilities83.0174.2-91.2
Other Services92.999.6-6.7

Income & Housing Comparison

MetricAmes, IASan Diego, CA
Median Household Income$68,107$96,974
Median Home Value$216,000$725,200
Median Monthly Rent$981$2,011
Per Capita Income$36,295$46,957

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ames, IA or San Diego, CA cheaper to live in?
Ames, IA is more affordable. The cost of living difference is 23.1 index points (Ames, IA: 88.8, San Diego, CA: 111.9).
Where is housing cheaper, Ames, IA or San Diego, CA?
Housing is more affordable in Ames, IA. Housing index: Ames, IA (69.2) vs San Diego, CA (179.3).