Ames vs West Des Moines: Cost of Living Compared (2026)
Updated Jun 2026 (3 months ago) · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Energy Information Administration
| Metric | Ames | West Des Moines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | $927 | $1,171 | -23% |
| Median household income | $60,991 | $86,594 | -35% |
| Grocery cost index | 93.7 | 93.7 | — |
| Utilities (monthly) | $143 | $143 | — |
Salary equivalent between cities
Equivalent salary needed
$91,156
- Difference
- $11,156