Ames, IA vs Santa Maria, CA
Cost of Living Comparison
Ames, IA is more affordable by 20.0 index points
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Ames, IA | Santa Maria, CA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 88.8 | 108.8 | -20.0 |
| Housing | 69.2 | 151.4 | -82.2 |
| Goods | 93.7 | 105.2 | -11.4 |
| Utilities | 83.0 | 149.8 | -66.8 |
| Other Services | 92.9 | 100.3 | -7.3 |
Income & Housing Comparison
| Metric | Ames, IA | Santa Maria, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $68,107 | $92,332 |
| Median Home Value | $216,000 | $714,800 |
| Median Monthly Rent | $981 | $1,964 |
| Per Capita Income | $36,295 | $44,635 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ames, IA or Santa Maria, CA cheaper to live in?
Ames, IA is more affordable. The cost of living difference is 20.0 index points (Ames, IA: 88.8, Santa Maria, CA: 108.8).
Where is housing cheaper, Ames, IA or Santa Maria, CA?
Housing is more affordable in Ames, IA. Housing index: Ames, IA (69.2) vs Santa Maria, CA (151.4).