CostByCity

Ames, IA vs San Francisco, CA

Cost of Living Comparison

Ames, IA is more affordable by 26.8 index points

Side-by-Side Comparison

CategoryAmes, IASan Francisco, CADifference
Overall88.8115.6-26.8
Housing69.2194.7-125.6
Goods93.7108.5-14.7
Utilities83.0172.6-89.6
Other Services92.9106.2-13.3

Income & Housing Comparison

MetricAmes, IASan Francisco, CA
Median Household Income$68,107$129,315
Median Home Value$216,000$1,073,300
Median Monthly Rent$981$2,336
Per Capita Income$36,295$68,958

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ames, IA or San Francisco, CA cheaper to live in?
Ames, IA is more affordable. The cost of living difference is 26.8 index points (Ames, IA: 88.8, San Francisco, CA: 115.6).
Where is housing cheaper, Ames, IA or San Francisco, CA?
Housing is more affordable in Ames, IA. Housing index: Ames, IA (69.2) vs San Francisco, CA (194.7).