Ames, IA vs Santa Cruz, CA
Cost of Living Comparison
Ames, IA is more affordable by 21.1 index points
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Ames, IA | Santa Cruz, CA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 88.8 | 109.9 | -21.1 |
| Housing | 69.2 | 164.3 | -95.2 |
| Goods | 93.7 | 105.2 | -11.4 |
| Utilities | 83.0 | 152.7 | -69.7 |
| Other Services | 92.9 | 100.3 | -7.3 |
Income & Housing Comparison
| Metric | Ames, IA | Santa Cruz, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $68,107 | $104,409 |
| Median Home Value | $216,000 | $951,300 |
| Median Monthly Rent | $981 | $2,094 |
| Per Capita Income | $36,295 | $52,887 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ames, IA or Santa Cruz, CA cheaper to live in?
Ames, IA is more affordable. The cost of living difference is 21.1 index points (Ames, IA: 88.8, Santa Cruz, CA: 109.9).
Where is housing cheaper, Ames, IA or Santa Cruz, CA?
Housing is more affordable in Ames, IA. Housing index: Ames, IA (69.2) vs Santa Cruz, CA (164.3).