City Comparison
Ames vs West Des Moines
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
West Des Moines scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Ames
West Des Moines
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Ames is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
20% lower than in West Des Moines.
Housing costs are a major driver: Ames's average rent is
28% lower than West Des Moines's.
| Metric | Ames | West Des Moines | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,050 | $1,450 | -28% |
| Groceries | $380 | $410 | -7% |
| Utilities | $160 | $175 | -9% |
| Transport | $100 | $115 | -13% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $240 | -4% |
| Monthly Total | $1,920 | $2,390 | -20% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 98 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
West Des Moines offers 15% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, West Des Moines delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Ames is estimated at
$52,000 vs $52,000 in West Des Moines.
| Metric | Ames | West Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $61,000 | $72,000 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 66,304 idx | 73,469 idx |
| Household Income | $58,500 | $88,500 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 1.5°F of each other.
For sunshine, West Des Moines comes out ahead with 19 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Ames sees 7.6 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Ames | West Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 51.10°F | 52.60°F |
| Summer High | 81.40°F | 83.20°F |
| Winter Low | 14.30°F | 16.20°F |
| Rainfall | 37.50 in | 36.20 in |
| Snowfall | 28.40 in | 20.80 in |
| Sunny Days | 255 | 274 |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Ames has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to West Des Moines.
Ames scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Ames leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Ames | West Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 17 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 62.0/100 | 42.0/100 |
| Walkability | 65.0/100 | 48.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 38.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
West Des Moines is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, West Des Moines is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Ames has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Ames | West Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 66,439 | 69,871 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | 1.50% |
| Median Age | 24.8 | 37.8 |
| Unemployment | 2.50% | 3.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Ames
Advantages
Consistently ranked among the safest mid-sized cities in the United States per FBI crime data.
Home to Iowa State University, providing world-class cultural events, Division I athletics, and continuing education.
Extensive network of parks, natural areas, and over 55 miles of paved bicycle and pedestrian trails.
Strong local economy anchored by education, biotech research, and healthcare with steady job growth.
Highly rated public school district with excellent graduation rates and student resources.
Drawbacks
Rental market can be competitive and subject to price surges driven by the academic calendar.
Winters bring harsh temperatures and significant snowfall requiring robust municipal snow removal.
Local sales and property taxes in Iowa can feel relatively high compared to some neighboring states.
Public transportation options outside of the core CyRide routes are somewhat limited.
Proximity to a major airport requires a 40-minute drive to Des Moines International.
West Des Moines
Advantages
Consistently ranked among the safest cities in Iowa with crime rates well below the national average
Exceptional public school districts that routinely score near the top statewide for academic performance
Thriving economic hub with major employers like Wells Fargo and a low local unemployment rate
Abundant green spaces, including over 35 public parks and extensive multi-use trail networks
Vibrant retail and dining scene anchored by Jordan Creek Town Center and Historic Valley Junction
Drawbacks
Housing costs and property taxes have risen steadily due to high demand and rapid suburban expansion
High reliance on automobile transportation with limited public transit coverage outside main corridors
Winters can be harsh and prolonged with significant snowfall and freezing temperatures
Rental inventory for mid-priced apartments can be tight during peak moving seasons
Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger metropolitan core cities
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Ames
#100Iowa, USA
67.4 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,050
Avg Salary
$61,000
Cost Index
92
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
62.0/100
Walkability
65.0/100
Sunny Days
255/yr
Avg Temp
51.10°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
2.50%
Livability
82
Business
74
West Des Moines
#28Iowa, USA
72.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$72,000
Cost Index
98
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
48.0/100
Sunny Days
274/yr
Avg Temp
52.60°F
Pop. Growth
1.50%
Unemployment
3.10%
Livability
84
Business
76
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