Here's what it costs to live in Ames, Iowa, based on the latest US government data. Renters pay a median of $1,040 per month, while the typical home is valued around $263,800. Households earn a median of $60,102 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$60,102
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,040
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$263,800
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
N/A
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$972
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$1,026
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,153
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$1,601
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
State Income Tax
5.70%
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
6.00%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | N/A |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | N/A |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | N/A |
| ⚡Electrician | N/A |
| 📊Accountant | N/A |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
66,112
Latest estimate
Median Age
23.3 yrs
Census ACS
🌬️
AQI data not available
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for Ames?
The cost of living index for Ames is not yet available in our database.
What is the median rent in Ames?
The median gross rent in Ames is $1,040 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Ames?
The median household income in Ames is $60,102 per year.
What is the median home value in Ames?
The median home value in Ames is $263,800 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Ames?
Air quality data for Ames is not yet available.
What are the taxes like in Ames?
Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 5.70% and a statewide sales tax of 6.00% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology