Cost of Living in Ames, IA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $985 (excluding rent), and $2,098 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,819 (excluding rent), and $4,237 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$17.96 $17.96

$9.98 $9.98

$44.90 $44.90

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$44.64 $44.64

$99.2 $99.2

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$8.74 $8.74

$5.83 $5.83

$11.66 $11.66

Cappuccino

$5.00 $5.00

$2.91 $2.91

$6.80 $6.80

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.99 $1.99

$1.98 $1.98

$3.98 $3.98

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.72 $1.72

$1.48 $1.48

$2.95 $2.95

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$3.08 $3.08

$8.21 $8.21

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.81 $6.81

$5.83 $5.83

$11.67 $11.67

Milk (1 liter)

$1.01 $1.01

$0.59 $0.59

$1.63 $1.63

White Bread (500g)

$3.72 $3.72

$1.95 $1.95

$6.69 $6.69

Rice (white) (1kg)

$3.05 $3.05

$2.21 $2.21

$5.08 $5.08

Eggs

$3.18 $3.18

$1.66 $1.66

$3.93 $3.93

Local Cheese (1kg)

$9.19 $9.19

$6.48 $6.48

$32.44 $32.44

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$11.72 $11.72

$5.53 $5.53

$22.12 $22.12

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$14.56 $14.56

$12.33 $12.33

$22.41 $22.41

Apples (1kg)

$4.97 $4.97

$2.73 $2.73

$8.73 $8.73

Banana (1kg)

$1.21 $1.21

$0.91 $0.91

$4.54 $4.54

Oranges (1kg)

$5.93 $5.93

$3.39 $3.39

$13.57 $13.57

Tomato (1kg)

$5.29 $5.29

$3.41 $3.41

$8.40 $8.40

Potato (1kg)

$3.96 $3.96

$2.26 $2.26

$11.32 $11.32

Onion (1kg)

$3.78 $3.78

$2.13 $2.13

$6.75 $6.75

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.05 $2.05

$1.54 $1.54

$3.07 $3.07

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.96 $1.96

$1.11 $1.11

$3.03 $3.03

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$9.03 $9.03

$11.05 $11.05

Wine (Bottle)

$15.21 $15.21

$6.87 $6.87

$24.52 $24.52

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.78 $1.78

$4.41 $4.41

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.45 $4.45

$1.98 $1.98

$6.92 $6.92

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.54 $1.54

$1.02 $1.02

$2.05 $2.05

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$47.77 $47.77

$35.20 $35.20

$60.3 $60.3

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$4.86 $4.86

$3.16 $3.16

$7.78 $7.78

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.36 $1.36

$1.21 $1.21

$1.51 $1.51

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$50.6 $50.6

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.88 $0.88

$0.73 $0.73

$1.11 $1.11

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$24.5K $24.5K

$24.1K $24.1K

$35.5K $35.5K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$25.9K $25.9K

$21.3K $21.3K

$40.6K $40.6K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$189 $189

$79.6 $79.6

$338 $338

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$48.61 $48.61

$33.02 $33.02

$120 $120

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$72.6 $72.6

$44.66 $44.66

$198 $198

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$68.9 $68.9

$35.28 $35.28

$121 $121

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$20.06 $20.06

Cinema Ticket

$14.23 $14.23

$8.12 $8.12

$18.30 $18.30

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,473 $1,473

$973 $973

$2,027 $2,027

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$29.4K $29.4K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$39.37 $39.37

$16.15 $16.15

$101 $101

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$42.45 $42.45

$30.32 $30.32

$65.7 $65.7

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$83.3 $83.3

$49.25 $49.25

$118 $118

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$115 $115

$60.0 $60.0

$200 $200

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$975 $975

$800 $800

$1,200 $1,200

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$812 $812

$591 $591

$985 $985

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,933 $1,933

$1,696 $1,696

$2,793 $2,793

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,682 $1,682

$1,223 $1,223

$2,039 $2,039

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,375 $2,375

$2,173 $2,173

$2,663 $2,663

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,246 $2,246

$2,177 $2,177

$2,340 $2,340

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,594 $3,594

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.02

3.5

7.25

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: January 13, 2026

Ames, IA Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

100

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

273

Mbps

155

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Ames, IA - Frequently Asked Questions

People find Ames surprisingly approachable for a college town, excellent for settling in without the sticker shock of big coastal cities. Cost of Living in Ames, IA, United States tends to sit in the middle of the spectrum for the region: housing can be more affordable than major metros, while groceries and services follow the usual midwestern rhythm. If you're a digital nomad, you'll value reliable internet, short commutes, and a community that supports coworking spaces and cafes with flexible hours. Expect seasonal weather to influence heating costs and wardrobe choices. Tip: Begin with a basic monthly plan and test a few neighborhoods before committing.

A typical day in Ames blends university-town energy with practical, small-city ease. Housing options range from quiet apartments near campus to family-friendly streets with shade trees, and consumer choices cover local markets, ethnic groceries, and casual eateries. For getting around, biking and walking are common, with occasional bus service connecting neighborhoods to campus and downtown. Co-working spots and libraries provide quiet work nooks, while cafes offer reliable wifi and social vibes. The Ames, IA, United States living cost often aligns with a frugal yet comfortable lifestyle: you'll find affordable basics, but plan around seasonal shifts and occasional event crowds. Tip: pilot a short-term stay near a few favorite spots.

Quality of life in Ames suits many remote workers and families who value a measured pace and access to outdoor spaces, community events, and approachable services. A pragmatic budgeting framework helps: separate fixed needs (housing, utilities) from discretionary spending, track seasonality in heating and clothing, and reserve a small amount for contingencies. To find a good neighborhood, consider proximity to libraries, groceries, and coffee shops, plus safety and walkability. Seasonal shifts influence clothing and transit needs, so you'll appreciate flexible planning. Tip: test several areas by weekend walks or short stays to feel how daily routines would flow.