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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Ames, IA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Des Moines, IA area

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Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.3K/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $165.4K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area
Overall Cost
↑ 17.1%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,286
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$15.4K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Ames, IA

Population:66K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$264K

Austin, TX

Population:979K
Cost Index:117
Median Home:$558K

Ames, IA

The Hawkeye State

66K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Iowa, this city has a population of 66K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • •Live music capital
  • •Major tech hub
  • •SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Ames, IA vs Austin, TX

🏠Housing
↑ 57.8%
Ames, IA
$1,828
Austin, TX
$2,885
Difference
$1,057
more
📦Other
↑ 10.9%
Ames, IA
$1,570
Austin, TX
$1,741
Difference
$171
more
🏥Healthcare
↓ 12.6%
Ames, IA
$674
Austin, TX
$589
Difference
$85.05
less
⚡All Utilities
↑ 16.5%
Ames, IA
$464
Austin, TX
$541
Difference
$76.47
more
🚗Transportation
↑ 5.7%
Ames, IA
$1,214
Austin, TX
$1,284
Difference
$69.60
more
🛒Groceries
↑ 6.7%
Ames, IA
$899
Austin, TX
$959
Difference
$60.49
more

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$859
To$1,585
↑ $726
1 Bed
From$905
To$1,685
↑ $780
2 Bed
From$1,021
To$1,995
↑ $974
3 Bed
From$1,420
To$2,525
↑ $1,105
Ames, IAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,020–$1,160/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,649
Monthly in Ames, IA
$7,998
Monthly in Austin, TX
$1,349
Difference

Home Values

Ames
Austin
$264K
Median Value
$558K
↑ +2.9%
YoY Change
↓ -5%
↑ +21.9%
5-Year Change
↑ +12.6%
$258K - $269K
Price Range
$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 112% more expensive than Ames

Calculate payment - AmesCalculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↑ $10.7K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$892
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
7.1%
Rate difference

Ames, IA

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Iowa State Tax
Effective: 7.1%
$10.7K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 31.8%
$47.7K
Take-Home Pay
$8,524/month
$102.3K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Texas State Tax
No state income tax
$0
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 24.7%
$37.0K
Take-Home Pay
$9,416/month
$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Ames, IA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%
Property Tax:1.5%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Ames
Austin
45 Good
Air Quality
52 Moderate
67.5%
Good Air Days
42.6%
92 Moderate
Climate Risk
98 High
🌡☀🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
▲+3.4°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.5°F
25 days
Heat Days >95°F
98 days
▲+3.4°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.5°F
25 days
Heat Days >95°F
98 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Iowa and Texas on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Ames, IA on a $150.0K salary

1.Indianapolis, IN
Save $79.17/mo
2.St. Louis, MO
Save $79.17/mo

Similar cost to Austin, TX

Other cities in a similar price range

Denver, CORaleigh, NCCharlotte, NC

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