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Ames, Iowa retirement guide

Iowa

Start with the feel of the place. Add the numbers that shape daily life in Ames: budget, care access, safety, climate, and local rhythm.

Monthly budget
$3,75669
Healthcare
Moderate69
Safety
2.8 / 5 · Fair54
Climate
3.5 / 5 · Very Good40
Iowa State University

Is Ames a good place to retire?

Ames can be a serious retirement-city candidate if its monthly budget, healthcare access, safety, climate, and lifestyle picture match the way you plan to live. Start with the public signals below, then use the tab pages and source links to verify the factors that matter most for your household.

Everyday picture

Use these signals together: estimated monthly budget, healthcare access, safety, climate comfort, and lifestyle context. The fuller picture is usually clearer when several factors move in the same direction.

Cost & Budget

Retiree Fit Score3.7 / 5 · Very Good

Estimated Monthly Budget (Traveler)

estimated

$3,786

Estimated Monthly Budget (Local Resident)

estimated

$2,850

View budget breakdown
Housing
$1,483
Utilities
$89
Food
$518
Transportation
$760

Estimated Monthly Budget (Couple)

estimated

$4,116

Typical 1BR Rent

city

$927

Cost Pressure

estimated

Poor

Healthcare Access

city

Moderate

Hospitals Nearby

city

2

Primary Care Access

city

Moderate

Pharmacy Convenience

city

Excellent

Quality of Life

Lifestyle Fit3.8 / 5 · Very Good

Safety

estimated

2.8 / 5 · Fair

Violent Crime Level

estimated

Moderate Violent Crime

Property Crime Level

estimated

Moderate Property Crime

Climate Comfort

estimated

3.5 / 5 · Very Good

Summer Heat

estimated

3.5 / 5 · Very Good

Winter Comfort

estimated

2.9 / 5 · Good

Air Quality

estimated

4.2 / 5 · Very Good

Walkability

city

3.6 / 5 · Very Good

Age 50+

city

20.4% · Younger-skewed

Sources and methodology

Cost of LivingHealthcareSafetyClimateLifestyle & Recreation