Are you considering a move to Ames, Iowa, United States, and wondering about the cost of living? Ames, Iowa is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Ames, Iowa and help you understand whether $2340 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $3776.0.
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Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
10.0 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
42.5 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
7.5 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
6.0 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
7.0 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
5.0 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
1.85 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
1.5 $ |
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Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
0.79 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
3.03 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
2.49 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
3.75 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
11.65 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
13.44 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
13.45 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
4.92 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.27 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
5.78 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
3.07 $ |
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|
Potato (1 lb) |
3.86 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
3.3 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
1.9 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
1.94 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
13.5 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.81 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
4.12 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
8.08 $ |
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Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
1.0 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
35.0 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
3.25 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
1.55 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
22.0 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
0.85 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
22610.0 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
22560.0 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
183.5 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
69.38 $ |
|
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
50.0 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
-- |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
8.5 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
1471.25 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
26333.33 $ |
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Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
28.0 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
41.6 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
73.5 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
67.0 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
650.0 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
600.0 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
1925.0 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
1500.0 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
-- |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
-- |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
3776.0 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
5.1 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Ames, Iowa come to a total of approximately $2340. This includes an average monthly rent of around $650 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $218 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $912 per month.
Living in Ames, Iowa appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $3776.0. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Ames, Iowa, you would likely need an income exceeding $3776.0.
In Ames, Iowa, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $3776.0, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Ames, Iowa is approximately $650. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $600.0 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Ames, Iowa can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $739 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in United States can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout United States.
There's low risk when visiting Ames, with a low crime rate. Only one crime category is higher than the national average. It's a simple town without much fanfare outside of game day, but it's an affordable place to visit without getting bored.
CyRide is the public bus system in town and busses run seven days a week. You can easily get a taxi or rideshare in this college town. Having a car would be great because there are some pretty cool things to see just outside the city limits.
There's a low risk here, but you should use extra caution if you're going to a crowded bar, tailgate party, or sporting event since you'll be in tight quarters with crowds of other people.
When the college mascot is named after a natural disaster, we have to give it a medium risk. Ames can get severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, hail storms, flooding, snowstorms, and ice storms. Extreme temperatures are also possible.
There's an odd trend in Iowa cities where the robbery rates can be unusually low. There were just eight reported robberies in 2021. That's a one in 8,303 risk, which means there's a low risk it will happen to you. Iowa seems to be a place where people would rather steal from you when you're not around, like breaking into a car than forcing you to hand over your wallet at gunpoint.
The Ames Laboratory is here, which is a high-security level product of the U.S. Department of Energy. Some of our nation's top energy secrets are stored here. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is here with its National Animal Disease Center. (For what it's worth, the Ames Strain of Anthrax isn't really from Ames, but you'll have to Google to find out more because we gotta keep moving.) Because of all this government presence, there's a medium risk, terrorists might target Ames.
The city of Ames police department has a scam form online if you are approached by a scam, but all their advice is just general reporting of common scams. You shouldn't have anything but a low risk here, but always keep your eyes peeled. Anything that involves wiring money or purchasing a gift card for a promise of greater fortune is definitely a scam.
This is the crime category that worries me. There were 58 sexual assaults of various kinds in 2021. That's a rate almost twice the national average. While it's a college town, and there could be alcohol or domestic situations that lead to a higher number, it's concerning enough for women travelers. Visit here with a medium risk, especially if you're drinking alcohol or partying late into the night.
Ames' water supply has a low risk and meets or exceeds all requirements based on the 2022 Water Quality Report. On top of that, Ames is tackling the PFAS water issue. You can learn more about what that is if you don't already know on the Ames city website. The water utility is in full compliance with the EPA advisory on PFAS, but that's not enough for this strict utility company. They have closed-off wells that had any measurable PFAS levels in them, leaving only non-PFAS wells supplying water.
You'll need your visa when you go through Customs at the airport, but you can travel freely through cities without it. You will need your passport as a legal ID if you're coming from outside the U.S. The U.S. visa process can take up to four months, so plan ahead.
The currency used here is the U.S. Dollar (USD). You don't really need to carry a lot of cash because most businesses take credit cards or mobile pay apps. If you have a smartwatch, you might be able to set up payment with a simple swipe of your hand, meaning you can leave the valuable credit cards at home.
You should plan for some pretty cold winter weather with the possibility of snow. There isn't always snow on the ground in Iowa throughout the winter, but when it snows it can snow hard. Check the forecast when you're packing to see if you'll need snow boots. Summer is going to be hot and humid. Bring loose, light fabrics to wear, and stock up on the bug spray. Bring layers of clothing for spring and fall, as it can be cold in the morning or night, but mild during the day.
The Des Moines airport is about an hour south. That's the closest and most convenient option. The local airport in Ames is only for general aviation.
Travel insurance is always a great idea in Iowa, where the weather can change quickly. You also will be spending a lot of time on the road, so know what insurance is best suited for your road travel.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 30°F | 35°F | 48°F | 62°F | 72°F | 81°F | 84°F | 82°F | 75°F | 62°F | 47°F | 33°F |
| Temp | 21°F | 25°F | 37°F | 50°F | 61°F | 71°F | 74°F | 72°F | 64°F | 51°F | 38°F | 25°F |
| Low | 14°F | 19°F | 30°F | 41°F | 52°F | 62°F | 65°F | 62°F | 54°F | 42°F | 30°F | 18°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | -1°C | 1°C | 8°C | 16°C | 22°C | 27°C | 28°C | 27°C | 23°C | 16°C | 8°C | 0°C |
| Temp | -6°C | -3°C | 2°C | 10°C | 16°C | 21°C | 23°C | 22°C | 17°C | 10°C | 3°C | -3°C |
| Low | -10°C | -7°C | -1°C | 5°C | 11°C | 16°C | 18°C | 16°C | 12°C | 5°C | -1°C | -7°C |