CostByCity

Ames, IA vs Salinas, CA

Cost of Living Comparison

Ames, IA is more affordable by 20.2 index points

Side-by-Side Comparison

CategoryAmes, IASalinas, CADifference
Overall88.8109.0-20.2
Housing69.2145.7-76.5
Goods93.7105.2-11.4
Utilities83.0154.2-71.2
Other Services92.9100.3-7.3

Income & Housing Comparison

MetricAmes, IASalinas, CA
Median Household Income$68,107$91,043
Median Home Value$216,000$683,700
Median Monthly Rent$981$1,873
Per Capita Income$36,295$37,741

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ames, IA or Salinas, CA cheaper to live in?
Ames, IA is more affordable. The cost of living difference is 20.2 index points (Ames, IA: 88.8, Salinas, CA: 109.0).
Where is housing cheaper, Ames, IA or Salinas, CA?
Housing is more affordable in Ames, IA. Housing index: Ames, IA (69.2) vs Salinas, CA (145.7).