Cost of living in Ames
Ames, located in the heart of Iowa, is known for its vibrant community and as the home of Iowa State University. Understanding the cost of living in Ames is crucial for students, families, and professionals considering a move to this city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Ames, covering everything from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you make informed financial decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $14 on average, with a range between $10 and $35.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $45, with prices ranging from $40 to $150.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $9, with a range between $6 and $13.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5 to $8, imported beer $6 to $10, cappuccino $3.5 to $10, and Coke/Pepsi $1.99 to $5.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.58 and $1.32 per liter, averaging $0.94.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.2 and $5.51, with an average price of $3.31.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.69 to $5, averaging $3.13.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.5 to $6.61 per kg, while oranges range from $2.09 to $14.75 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.52 and $11.02 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.69 to $4 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $1, with a monthly pass priced at $35.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.75 and $1 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $4.7, with a cost of $1.55 to $1.71 per km and $24 to $50 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $800 to $1200, averaging $1000.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $750 to $1000, averaging $900.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1900 to $2800, averaging $2212.5.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1500 to $2000, averaging $1800.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $2142 to $2690.98, averaging $2416.49.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $2142 to $2152.78, averaging $2147.39.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $100 and $340, averaging $164.52.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $200, with an average cost of $64.83.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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"Key Takeaways"
Ames offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger urban areas, with moderate housing and utility costs.
Dining out can vary significantly in price, offering options for both budget-conscious individuals and those seeking upscale experiences.
Transportation costs are low, especially for public transport, making it an economical choice for daily commuting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ames, IA, presents a balanced cost of living with affordable housing and transportation options.
While dining and grocery prices can vary, the overall expenses remain manageable for most residents.
This makes Ames an attractive option for students, families, and professionals looking for a cost-effective place to live in the United States.