CostByCity

Ames, IA vs San Jose, CA

Cost of Living Comparison

Ames, IA is more affordable by 21.6 index points

Side-by-Side Comparison

CategoryAmes, IASan Jose, CADifference
Overall88.8110.4-21.6
Housing69.2211.9-142.7
Goods93.7105.2-11.4
Utilities83.0156.7-73.7
Other Services92.9100.3-7.3

Income & Housing Comparison

MetricAmes, IASan Jose, CA
Median Household Income$68,107$151,713
Median Home Value$216,000$1,282,400
Median Monthly Rent$981$2,697
Per Capita Income$36,295$71,964

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ames, IA or San Jose, CA cheaper to live in?
Ames, IA is more affordable. The cost of living difference is 21.6 index points (Ames, IA: 88.8, San Jose, CA: 110.4).
Where is housing cheaper, Ames, IA or San Jose, CA?
Housing is more affordable in Ames, IA. Housing index: Ames, IA (69.2) vs San Jose, CA (211.9).