Ames, IA vs St. Paul, MN: Cost of Living Comparison
Ames has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Ames | St. Paul | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 85 | 90 | Ames |
| Housing | 76 ($728) | 80 ($874) | Ames |
| Transportation | 106 ($3.50) | 103 ($3.50) | St. Paul |
| Food & groceries | 80 ($328) | 98 ($402) | Ames |
| Utilities | 88 ($137) | 90 ($144) | Ames |
| Healthcare | 88 ($99) | 90 ($104) | Ames |
| Median annual wage | 100 ($48,540) | 117 ($56,920) | Ames |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ames, IA or St. Paul, MN cheaper to live in?
Ames, IA is cheaper overall by about 5 index points (Ames, IA: 85, St. Paul, MN: 90; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Ames, IA vs St. Paul, MN?
A single adult needs roughly $29,750/year in Ames, IA and $31,500/year in St. Paul, MN to cover basic living costs.