City vs city
Ames, IA vs Grand Junction, CO
- Rent is 12% lower in Ames (median $1,023/mo vs $1,142/mo in Grand Junction).
- Homes cost 41% less in Ames ($277k vs $390k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $148 more a month after taxes and rent in Ames.
- Schools rate higher in Ames (9.4/10 vs 6/10).
- Ames has less violent crime (1 vs 5.4 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
- Grand Junction has milder winters (28°F vs 20°F average).
- Grand Junction gets more sun (259 vs 214 sunny days a year).
| Ames | Grand Junction | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,023/mo | $1,142/mo |
| Median home value | $277k | $390k |
| Median household income | $61k | $70k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,923 | $3,775 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | Yes |
| School rating | 9.4/10 | 6/10 |
| Violent crime | 72% below the US rate | 1.5× the US rate |
| Summer average | 84°F | 95°F |
| Winter average | 20°F | 28°F |
| Sunny days a year | 214 | 259 |
| Walk score | 38 | 44 |
| Population | 67,669 | 68,142 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
Not sure it's either one?
Tell the AI matcher your budget, job and dealbreakers, and get cities that fit, with the real numbers.
Find my city