Which is cheaper: Ames or Winston-Salem?

Winston-Salem is cheaper with a cost of living index of 91.4, compared to Ames's index of 91.4. The cost of living difference is approximately 0 index points.

Which city has higher salaries: Ames or Winston-Salem?

Winston-Salem has higher median household income at $59,189, compared to Ames's $58,693. The income difference is approximately $496 per year.

Which city is safer: Ames or Winston-Salem?

Ames is safer with a violent crime rate of 302 per 100,000 residents, compared to Winston-Salem's rate of 567 per 100,000. The national average is approximately 400 per 100,000.

Is it worth moving from Ames to Winston-Salem?

Moving from Ames to Winston-Salem will cost more in living expenses. Salaries are typically $496 higher in Winston-Salem. Consider using our salary equivalence calculator to determine if the move makes financial sense for your situation.

What is the cost of living difference between Ames and Winston-Salem?

Ames has a cost of living index of 91.4, while Winston-Salem has an index of 91.4. Winston-Salem is 0% cheaper than Ames. Housing is typically the biggest factor in this difference.

Head-to-Head Analysis

Ames vs Winston-Salem

Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.

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📊 Lifestyle Match

Visualizing the tradeoffs between Ames and Winston-Salem

📋 The Details

Line-by-line data comparison.

Category / Metric	Ames	Winston-Salem
Financial Overview
Median Income	$58,693	$59,189
Unemployment Rate	3%	4%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$259,900	$270,000
Price per SqFt	$195	$163
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$918	$936
Housing Cost Index	79.9	68.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	95.1	96.5
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	301.8	567.0
Bachelor's Degree+	30%	45%
Air Quality (AQI)	32	35

AI Verdict: The Bottom Line

Both cities have a similar cost of living (within 5%).

Ames has a significantly lower violent crime rate (47% lower).

Analysis based on current data snapshot. Individual results may vary.

Expert Verdict

AI-generated analysis based on current data.

Moving from Ames to Winston-Salem: What You Need to Know

Deciding between Ames and Winston-Salem? This data-driven analysis breaks down the key differences in cost of living, housing, and quality of life to help you make the right choice.

1. Cost of Living Analysis

Both cities have a very similar cost of living. Your daily expenses in Ames will be roughly the same as in Winston-Salem.

2. Housing Costs

Housing is the biggest factor here. Winston-Salem offers much more affordable housing options.

The housing cost index in Ames is 79.9, compared to 68.8 in Winston-Salem.

3. Income Potential

The median household income in Ames is $58,693, while in Winston-Salem it is $59,189.

4. Safety

Statistically, Ames has a lower violent crime rate.

The Verdict

It's a classic trade-off: Winston-Salem is more affordable, while Ames may offer higher incomes or urban amenities. Your choice depends on your budget priorities.

Planning a Move?

Use our AI-powered calculator to estimate your expenses from Ames to Winston-Salem.

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